President Joe Biden awarded the prestigious National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals to 39 recipients in a ceremony held at the White House. The recipients included acclaimed filmmakers, singers, writers, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture.
Among the recipients of the National Medals of Arts were filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, and Ken Burns, as well as singers Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah. The National Humanities Medals were awarded to individuals such as playwright-screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and historian Jon Meacham.
Notably, three of the medals were awarded posthumously. The late singer Selena Quintanilla and artist Ruth Asawa were recognized with arts medals, while the late chef-author Anthony Bourdain was honored with a humanities medal.
During the ceremony, President Biden praised the recipients for their contributions to American culture, stating that they have made the nation a better place through their work. He also highlighted the importance of the arts and humanities in the current social and political climate, noting the challenges posed by censorship and misinformation.
The National Medals of Arts are managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, while the National Humanities Medals are overseen by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The recipients of the arts medals included actors, producers, musicians, photographers, and artists, all of whom have played a significant role in promoting and supporting the arts in the United States.
On the other hand, the humanities medalists encompassed a diverse range of individuals and organizations, from former U.S. poet laureates to scholars and cultural institutions. Their work has deepened the nation's understanding of the human experience, broadened engagement with history and literature, and expanded access to cultural resources for all Americans.
The ceremony also featured a special acknowledgment of Vice President Kamala Harris and the female recipients, with President Biden emphasizing the power of women in shaping the future of the country. The event concluded with a standing ovation in recognition of the honorees' remarkable achievements in the arts and humanities.
