The directors Steven SpielbergSpike Lee and Ken Burns were among the celebrities honored with US National Medals of Arts, along with singers Missy Elliott, Idina Menzel and Queen Latifah during a ceremony at the White House.

US President Joe Biden awarded the 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Arts along with the National Humanities Medals during a private ceremony in the Oval Office.

He later called the group of 39 awardees “truly inspiring personalities”. “Let me tell you that you have broken down barriers, blazed new trails, redefined culture. You are the tellers of truth, the builders of bridges, the seekers of change, and above all, you are the authorities of your art that has made us a better America for all that you have done.” Joe Biden said.

“You also help us find meaning and purpose in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary, providing hope, wisdom and laughter when we need it.”

The Medals of the Arts are awarded to those who “deserve special recognition because of outstanding contributions to the excellence, development, support, and availability of the arts in the United States of America,” according to the government website.

During his speech, Joe Biden said that the arts and humanities “matter now more than ever.”

“Extremist forces ban books, try to erase history, spread misinformation, but because of you we keep our books open, you make history, fight lies with truth” emphasized the US president.