Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined actors Denzel Washington and Michael J Fox as they also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Saturday. Nineteen people received the honour this year, spanning the worlds of culture, politics and activism.

Hillary Clinton, Ralph Lauren, Magic Johnson, Bill Nye and José Andrés will also be awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Saturday.

Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and basketball legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson were also among the recipients.