Ralph Lauren and Michael J. Fox receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden

The US President, Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian award of the nation, to 19 people on January 4, 2025. The fashion designer Ralph Lauren and retired actor, now activist Michael J. Fox, were among the luminaries who were awarded.

Ralph Lauren is the first fashion designer to be awarded with high honour. His team penned down a heartfelt note for the audience, which said ‘Today, Mr.Ralph Lauren will receive the presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation’s highest civilian honor. As the first designer to receive the honor Mr. Lauren will receive this award from President Biden during a ceremony held in Washington DC, recognizing his contributions to American style, culture and society for more than six decades. Throughout his career, Mr. Lauren has had the honor to have been celebrated with numerous prestigious accolades, including the James Smithson Bicentennial medal, France’s Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).’


Michael J. Fox is a Parkinson’s disease activist who is committed to finding a cure through his research foundation. His foundation penned down a note on their official Instagram handle, which said, ‘Today, our founder Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors. During a conferral ceremony at the White House, Michael was recognized as “one of the most beloved actors of our time with remarkable wit and charm.” He was honored for his boundless determination to change the future for the billions living with Parkinson's. Please join us in congratulating Michael on his incredible honor and recognition of the Parkinson’s community’s joint efforts to speed better treatments and a cure.’


Other people who received the medal include former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, U2 frontman Bono, and philanthropist George Soros, among others.