On March 21, President Joe Biden presented the 2021 National Medals of Arts in conjunction with the National Humanities Medals. In Biden’s own words, per his remarks at the event, “the National Medal of Arts to honor outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth support, and availability of the arts in the United States; and the National Humanities Medal to honor those whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, philosophy, and so many other subjects.”
Among the honorees of the night were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight, Bruce Springsteen, and Vera Wang.
During Biden’s speech, he gave a special shoutout to Louis-Dreyfus, who famously played the POTUS and VPOTUS in Veep. “Eleven Emmys. Twenty-six nominations. Honored numerous times by the Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild, Critics’ Choice,” Biden listed. “She embraces life’s absurdity with absolute wit and handles real-life turns with absolute grace. A mom, a cancer survivor, a pioneer for women in comedy, she is an American original.”
Check out some of the best pictures from the big night below!
Hugs for Gladys
When musicial icon Gladys Knight went to receive her National Medal of Art, she opened her arms wide for a hug from the President.
Looking Up
After receiving her National Medal of Art, Never Have I Ever creator Mindy Kaling pointed up and gave a special thanks.
All Smiles
After so many years playing a politician, it looks like Julia Louis-Dreyfus has become a pro at mimicking them too. The actress and Biden were totally in sync as they held hands after she received her Medal.
Biden-Springsteen Bond
“Born in the U.S.A.” singer Bruce Springsteen and Biden looked like longtime friends as the singer received his National Medal of Art.
A Tearful Moment
Author Amy Tan couldn’t hide her emotions as she received her National Humanities Medal.
Proud Eyes
Supporting his longtime friend and friendly ex Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak attended the event and looked ultra-proud in the audience.
Hugging It Out
Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre hugged it out at the event sharing this sweet moment.
Look of Admiration
Awards academic Henrietta Mann looked at Biden with love and appreciation as she won her National Humanities Medal.
Leave a Comment