Well, the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony just turned into the ultimate who’s-who of “America’s Got Talent: National Treasure Edition!” Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington, and Michael J. Fox strutted into the White House to collect their shiny new medals from President Joe Biden himself. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just a participation trophy!
A Star-Studded Lineup
Picture this: Hillary, the former Secretary of State, still rocking that pantsuit power, standing alongside Oscar-winning legend Denzel, who can make even the phrase “My Man!” sound like Shakespeare. Then there’s Michael J. Fox, the man who made time travel cool and raised awareness for Parkinson’s like a true superhero.
Oh, but it wasn’t just these headliners. The White House was practically bursting at the seams with celebs, icons, and at least one rocket scientist. Magic Johnson? Check. Bono? Present and probably wearing tinted sunglasses indoors. Bill Nye? Bow-tied and ready to science. Ralph Lauren? Designing vibes only. Anna Wintour? Peering over her sunglasses with approval. Even Dr. Jane Goodall swung by (no chimps in tow, sadly). Honestly, it was a lineup that would make the Oscars jealous.
VIP Support Squad
Hillary had her better half, Bill Clinton, cheering her on—because if you’re going to get a medal, you might as well have a former president as your plus-one. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden made an appearance, possibly scouting out the buffet.
Ghost Honors: Medal Edition
But wait, it gets emotional. Biden also handed out medals posthumously because even legends who’ve passed deserve the spotlight. Among them were Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense, and Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights hero who’d have probably mic-dropped this whole event if she were around. RFK got a nod too, and we’re pretty sure George Romney’s ghost gave a thumbs-up somewhere.
The No-Show MVP
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was on the list too, but apparently, he was too busy perfecting his dribble to make it. According to USA Today, he sent his regards and maybe a soccer ball.
What’s the Big Deal?
This isn’t just any old medal. It’s like the Olympic gold of civilian life. Recipients are honored for doing epic things for America or humanity in general. Think world peace, groundbreaking contributions, or just being an all-around legend. The White House even said so, probably in fancier words.
The White House hosted what might be the swankiest medal ceremony of the decade. If you didn’t get an invite, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the secondhand glamor by imagining Bono and Bill Nye fist-bumping in the East Room.
