WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor-director Denzel Washington and Democratic philanthropist George Soros were awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor Saturday in a White House ceremony.

President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

The White House said the recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

Clinton received a standing ovation from the crowd. She was accompanied to the event by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren.

Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; and Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense.

Philanthropists receiving the award included chef José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become one of the world’s most recognized food relief organizations, and Bono, the frontman for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.

Sports and entertainment stars recognized Saturday included soccer player Lionel Messi; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, actor and outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

Other awardees included conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour; fashion designer Ralph Lauren; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group global investment firm.

“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country,” Biden said.