President Barack Obama's final hosting of the Presidential Medal of Freedom commemoration is a star-studded full house affair with 21 illustrious individuals have been awarded for their contributions to the nation.
The outgoing President has made the presentation fun as he spoofed and jested with his lines the rest of the way.
At one point, he ribs at Michael Jordan when he said that the group has innovators, public servants, athletes, and renowned character actors like the guy from Space Jam.
In another, he jokes about Melinda Gates giving Bill a second chance which ultimately improved the world due to their foundation.
Obama even kids about bumping into Newt Minow when the President dated his wife for the first time.
There are also a few blunders to boot. For instance, TV host Ellen De Generes, who has some issues entering the gate after forgetting her ID, seems to be emotionally-packed during the ceremony.
In a way, the day is not only very special for the recipients of America's highest civilian award. It is also a moment to remember for Obama who has handed out more of these medals than any other US President.
The first and only African-American Commander-in-Chief manages to squeeze in that each of the awardees has influenced his life. He shares that members of the group have made him what he is. Obama has further added that each person is rightfully deserving of the endowment that he has handed out.
The full list of awardees for the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom runs as follows:
- Polymath physicist Richard Garwin who has 47 US patents to his name
- Bill and Melinda Gates whose foundation focused on improving the lives of people across the world
- Two-time Oscar winner Robert de Niro who acted in some of America's most memorable films,
- Comedian Ellen De Generes who advocated for equality and justice
- Six-time NBA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers who has been a proponent of social justice
- Architect Frank Gehry who pioneered contemporary architecture
- Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton who introduced the platform for modern software design and engineering
- Two-time Academy award winner Tom Hanks who is a backer of social and environmental justice
- Screenwriter Lorne Michaels who is best known for producing the legendary and iconic Saturday Night Live program
- Legal counsel Newt Minow who made a breakthrough in using broadcasting to promote public awareness
- Six-time NBA Champion Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards fame who is the current majority owner and chairman of the NBA team Charlotte Hornets
- Artist Maya Lin who is a dedicated environmentalist
- Education expert Eduardo Padron who advocated for affordable but quality teaching
- Actor-director Robert Redford who organized the Sundance Institute to encourage independent filmmakers around the world to promote their stories and movies
- Singer Diana Ross who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Broadcaster Vin Scully who has been the voice of Dodgers baseball for a very long time
- Singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen whose epic concerts influenced American music
- Singer-actress Cicely Tyson who captivated audiences on stage, on TV, and on the movie screen
Honored posthumously are mathematician Grace Hopper who has been instrumental in the development of computer programming and community leader Elouise Cobell who championed self-determination for Native Americans.
