White House has announced 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for this year-the list includes artists, comedians, architects, actors, athletes, producers and many global names from diverse disciplines. Architect Frank Gehry and artist and designer Maya Lin are among the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their contributions to global aesthetic and landscape.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22nd.

The ceremony was held on November 22 at the White House and presented to the all awardees. "The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor - it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.  From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way,'' said President Obama.

Watch the award ceremony at the White House (Frank Gehry in the 1:31 min. and Maya Lin 1:37 min.)

Frank Gehry is one of the world’s leading architects, whose works have helped define contemporary architecture. His best-known buildings include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Guggenheim Museum building in Bilbao, Spain.

Maya Lin is an artist and designer who is known for her work in sculpture and landscape art. She designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and since then has pursued a celebrated career in both art and architecture. A committed environmentalist, Lin is currently working on a multi-sited artwork/memorial, What is Missing? bringing awareness to the planet's loss of habitat and biodiversity.

Other recipients include Robert De Niro, Ellen DeGeneres, Richard Garwin, Margaret H. Hamilton, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elouise Cobell (posthumous), Bill and Melinda Gates, Grace Hopper (posthumous), Lorne Michaels, Newt Minow, Eduardo Padrón, Robert Redford, Vin Scully, Cicely Tyson. 

Top image: Frank Gehry/Image © Chad Slattery and Maya Lin/Image © Walter Smith

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