The Obama administration has stated on Monday, that the American director, producer and one of the founding pioneers of the New Hollywood era - Steven Spielberg, James Taylor (American singer-songwriter, guitarist and a five-time Grammy Award winner) and the American singer, actress, filmmaker and an icon in multiple fields of entertainment - Barbra Streisand, are set to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor given by the White House.
Also, among Hollywood's notables who will be honored on November 24 at the White House are Emilio Estefan (musician and producer who won 19 Grammy Awards), Cuban American singer-songwriter and actress - Gloria Estefan and the Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and pedagogue - Itzhak Perlman.
The American composer and lyricist who is famous for more than a half-century of contributions to musical theatre - Steven Sondheim, was awarded the honor last year, but wasn't able to the receive the award at the 2014 ceremony, however, Steven Sondheim will be awarded the honor this month.
President Barack Obama said in a statement, "I look forward to presenting these 17 distinguished Americans with our nation's highest civilian honor."
President Obama also said, "From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to the artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans."
Other recipients include Bonnie Carroll, Emilio Estefan, former Rep. Lee Hamilton, NASA mathematician Katherine G. Johnson, baseball legend Willie Mays, and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.).
Posthumous honors will be awarded to Yogi Berra, the American politician and educator - Shirley Chisholm, the Native American environmental leader and treaty rights activist - Billy Frank Jr. and the Japanese American lawyer from Oregon - Minoru Yasui.
In addition, last year's recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom award included Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Stevie Wonder and Tom Brokaw. Steven Spielberg was also present at last year's ceremony.
