‘Kung Fu Panda’ Actress Michelle Yeoh receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden, view pictures

President Joe Biden awarded 19 high-profile politicians, activists and others, including Hollywood actor Michelle Yeoh, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the country's highest civilian honor. (Image via X)

The White House announced on Friday that Oscar-winner Michell Yeoh is one of the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year.

The medal is presented annually and it is the country’s highest civilian honour, given to individuals “who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal, public or private endeavours,” according to the White House.

The 19 recipients' "relentless curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity and hope have kept faith in a better tomorrow," President Biden said during the ceremony.

The group of recipients all belong to various fields with an Olympic gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore, activist Opal Lee, astronomer Jane Rigby, former U.S. senator Elizabeth Dole, Oscar winning actress Michelle Yeoh, and many more respected individuals.

US President Joe Biden kicked off the ceremony by sharing anecdotes and accomplishments of the awarded individuals.

Remarking on Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for her role in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, President Biden praised her for breaking "stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich and enhance American culture.”

"As the first Asian to win an Oscar, Yeoh connects cultures not only to entertain but also to inspire and enlighten many to this day...Congratulations," President Biden continued.

President Joe Biden and actress Michelle Yeoh. (Image via Instagram)

The White House, in their introduction of Yeoh, stated that the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actor’s efforts to promote gender equality, conservation issues and global health have been impactful all around the world.

According to Reuters, Yeoh was on the awardee list that gave special recognition to “firsts” in their field. This also included the first Hispanic woman in space Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina to become president of a national union in the U.S Teresa Romero, etc.

Michelle Yeoh will be next seen in ‘Wicked (2024)’ starring alongside pop star Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.