One of the seventeen awardees for the Presidential Medal of Freedom is acclaimed director Steven Spielberg on November 24, 2015 at the White House in Washington, D.C. Obama stated that Spielberg's films are marked most importantly by a faith in our common humanity and his stories have shaped America's story, as his values have shaped our world.
The director, known for his works like E.T., Jurrasic Park and Schindler's List, said that film has always been the greatest way for him to unburden himself of his demons and to therefore cast his demons on the people, while presenting his Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies in Berlin earlier this month.
According to a report made by the New York Times, as Obama was talking about Spielberg and his magnificent accomplishments, a phone rang so he cracked a joke that somebody is probably trying to book Spielberg at that very moment.
Among the other acceptors of the award are singer, song writer, actress, and director Barbra Streisand, musicians Emilio and Gloria Estefan, singer James Taylor, violinist Itzhak Perlman, composer Stephen Sondheim, as well as sports honourees Baseball Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Yogi Berra. According to President Obama, it's because of 'giants' like Willie that someone like him could even think about running for president. CNN has listed the recipients on a recent report they made.
"Even by the standards of Medal of Freedom recipients, this is a class act. We are just reminded when we see these individuals here on the stage what an incredible tapestry this country is," Obama said, and later adds that they represent what's best in us.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest form of honor that can be given to a civilian. The award is not limited to U.S. citizens, and even if it is a civilian award, it can also be given to military personnel and worn on their uniform.
