US President Barack Obama has awarded comedian Ellen DeGeneres and 20 other actors, musicians, athletes and innovators with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian award.
“Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways that they probably couldn’t imagine,” Obama said on the occasion.
On Ellen receiving the award, Obama said, “Ellen DeGeneres has a way of making people laugh at something rather than someone, except when I danced on her show.”
He also added that it was easy to forget that she had risked her career nearly two decades ago by coming out of the closet.
In the world of film, the president honoured Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Cicely Tyson and Robert Redford. Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates were also recognised for their work with the Gates Foundation.
Micheal Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were also among the recipients of the civilian honour.
Sharing how Micheal’s name was synonymous with excellence, Obama said, “He’s more than just a logo, more than just an internet meme, more than just a charitable donor or businessman committed to diversity. There is a reason you call somebody ‘the Michael Jordan of’, the Michael Jordan of neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what you’re talking about.”
A teary-eyed Ellen received the honour. “In a career spanning over three decades, Ellen DeGeneres has brought joy to our lives as a stand-up comic and a television star, in every role, she reminds us to be kind to each other. Her courage and candour helped changed the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. Again and again, Ellen has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun and more open place so long as we just keep swimming,” an aide cited.
Describing Obama as “America’s dad” Obama said, “Tom has always saved his best role for real life. He made it seem natural to have a volleyball as your best friend. He is a good man, which is the best title you can have.”
