National Medals of Arts/ National Humanities Medals/ Steven Spielberg/ Spike Lee/ Queen Latifah/ Biden awards ceremony/ cultural icons honored/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden awarded National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals to 39 influential figures, including filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, and singer Queen Latifah, in a White House ceremony. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to American culture, with posthumous awards given to figures like singer Selena Quintanilla and chef Anthony Bourdain. Biden used the occasion to emphasize the power of the arts in challenging “extreme forces” and praised women’s leadership, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential run.
Arts and Humanities Honorees Celebrated by Biden: Quick Looks
- 39 Honorees: Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott among National Medals of Arts recipients.
- National Humanities Medals: Recipients included playwright Aaron Sorkin, historian Jon Meacham, and actor-literacy advocate LeVar Burton.
- Posthumous Honors: Awards were given posthumously to singer Selena Quintanilla, chef Anthony Bourdain, and artist Ruth Asawa.
- Cultural Recognition: Biden praised the honorees for making America “a better place” and standing up to efforts to ban books and erase history.
- Celebrating Women: Biden highlighted the achievements of women, linking their success to Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for president, earning a standing ovation.
Biden Honors Spielberg, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah at Arts & Humanities Medals Ceremony
Deep Look:
President Joe Biden honored a distinguished group of filmmakers, musicians, writers, and cultural leaders on Monday at the White House, presenting the prestigious National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals to 39 honorees. The ceremony celebrated icons who have shaped American arts and culture, including filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, and Ken Burns, as well as musicians Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott.
The recipients of the National Medals of Arts were recognized for their outstanding contributions to U.S. culture and included a wide array of talents. Filmmaker Aaron Sorkin and historian Jon Meacham were among those honored with National Humanities Medals for enriching the nation’s understanding of human experiences.
In his remarks, Biden praised the recipients for their ability to “make us a better America.” He went on to acknowledge the transformative power of the arts and humanities in an era where he believes “extreme forces” are seeking to ban books, erase history, and spread misinformation. The president linked the significance of this moment in the arts to the broader cultural landscape, emphasizing how these honorees are at the forefront of preserving cultural integrity.
The arts medals, managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the humanities medals, overseen by the National Endowment for the Humanities, recognized individual and collective achievements in American culture. Posthumous honors were given to singer Selena Quintanilla, artist Ruth Asawa, and chef Anthony Bourdain, acknowledging their lasting influence.
Biden also took the opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership in the arts and politics, using the moment to commend Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic presidential run. “Proving a woman can do anything a man can do—and then some,” Biden said, referencing Harris, drawing a standing ovation from attendees.
The arts medal honorees spanned a variety of disciplines, from musicians and actors to photographers and arts advocates. Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott were highlighted for their achievements in the music industry, while actor Idina Menzel and producer Bruce Cohen also received accolades. Visual artists like Carrie Mae Weems and Mark Bradford were recognized for their contributions to the arts, and cultural institutions like the Country Music Hall of Fame were similarly honored.
The humanities medals celebrated figures who have broadened public engagement with culture and history. Notable recipients included former U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo and actor LeVar Burton, who was acknowledged for his advocacy in literacy. Cartoonist Roz Chast, known for her insightful and often humorous illustrations, also received a humanities medal.
As Biden honored these cultural leaders, he reiterated the importance of supporting and promoting the arts and humanities in America, especially during a time when debates over free expression and historical preservation are at the forefront of national discourse.
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