President Joe Biden presented the medals during the occasion on Thursday, but stated that he would present Washington’s “later.”
After testing positive for COVID-19, Denzel Washington was forced to withdraw from a White House ceremony where he was to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker was among the 17 recipients of the highest civilian honor that can be granted in the United States.
President Joe Biden presented the medals during the occasion on Thursday, but stated that he would present Washington’s “later.”
“There’s a man who wanted to be here today but couldn’t: Denzel Washington, one of America’s best performers,” he added.
“He was unable to be with us today, but I will present him with this award when he can join us.”
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, to world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
In addition to Washington, the list features two Olympic gold medalists, footballer Megan Rapinoe and gymnast Simone Biles.
Mr. Biden said to Biles, who at age 25 is the youngest recipient of the award, “Today, she adds to her medal count – I don’t know where you’ll find room.”
Gabby Giffords, an advocate for gun control, also won the prize.
The president described her as “one of the gutsiest individuals I’ve ever met.”
The Democrat was nearly killed when she was shot in the head during a constituent event in Tucson in January 2011.
