Michelle Yeoh, who won an Oscar, was one of the people who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last week. It's the highest honor the president can give to civilians in the United States.
Key points:
- Yeoh, 61, was honored by President Joe Biden at an event at the White House on Friday.
- The award is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other important societal, public or private efforts, according to the White House.
The details:
- The award ceremony also honored those who achieved historic milestones in their fields. Yeoh was the first Asian-identifying person to win the Oscar for best actress in the movie A24’s “Everything Everywhere All At Once” at the 95th Academy Awards in March 2023.
- Yeoh didn't make any comments but she posted a photo of herself receiving the medal from President Biden on Instagram on Saturday.
- In the press release, the White House described Yeoh as an actress known for her groundbreaking work in several blockbusters over four decades, and as someone who continues to break stereotypes and enrich American culture.
- With this recent honor, Yeoh joins the ranks of only 18 other actresses who have received the same award, including Audrey Hepburn in 1992 and Meryl Streep in 2014.
- The president also awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to non-Americans, as demonstrated when former President Barack Obama bestowed the honor upon British scientist Stephen Hawking in August 2009.
- Other recipients of the award this year included Bloomberg News founder Michael R. Bloomberg, former Vice President Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi, who served as the 52nd speaker of the House.
Catching up:
- Yeoh is currently set to appear in a slate of upcoming projects, including Jon M. Chu’s two-part musical film “Wicked” and Paramount Plus’s “Star Trek: Discovery” spin-off “Star Trek: Section 31.”
