The White House twinkled last Nov. 22 as Hollywood stars graced the mansion for the last Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. President Barack Obama hosted the ceremony, awarding 21 civilians who have made a contribution to the U.S.
According to Variety, among the recipients of the prestigious award were actors, Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks and Robert Redford. Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabar also received an award along with Bruce Springsteen, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, sculptor and landscape artist Maya Lin, architect Frank Gehry.
Bill and Melinda Gates was also recognized, Diana Ross,Vin Scully, Newt Minow, Lorne Michaels among others but one honoree had a very extraordinary experience that night who is none other than Ellen DeGeneres.
According to Hollywood Life, Ellen DeGeneres' day at the White House started with having some trouble being allowed to enter at the gate because she forgot to bring her ID. Nevertheless, when called upon to receive the award, Ellen DeGeneres got all emotional hearing all her achievements being recalled especially when her efforts for equality were recognized.
Making the last Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony even more special, President Obama said that he chose these people as recipients of the award because they have helped him be who he was as a person and that they all have a deep impact in his life.
Josh Earnest, the White House Press Secretary said in a statement early Tuesday that the President [Obama], personally chose each individual to be awarded on stage and that all of them are well-deserving of the award.
Adding on to the memories of the ceremony, Tracee Ellis Ross, Diana Ross' daughter, managed to get everyone do the Mannequin Challenge and posting it on Twitter soon after.
Look what I got everyone to do! It’s the #MannequinChallenge at the @WhiteHouse! I'm in the pink dress laughing with @RitaWilson! pic.twitter.com/fYPvYcMJ57
— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) November 22, 2016
