President Obama awards the Medal of Freedom (24 images)

Sixteen Americans -- titans in science, communications, music, civil rights, government and sports -- received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Wednesday.

President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Oprah Winfrey, during an event in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., November 20, 2013. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

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President Barack Obama hugs Oprah Winfrey prior to awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, during an event in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., November 20, 2013. UPI/Pat Benic

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President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former President Bill Clinton, during an event in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., November 20, 2013. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

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President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to writer and women's activist Gloria Steinem at the White House in Washington, D.C., November 20, 2013. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

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