Gymnastics star Simone Biles, actor Denzel Washington and the late tech visionary Steve Jobs have been named as recipients of America's highest civilian honor, the White House said on Friday.
President Joe Biden nominated 17 Americans to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, three of them posthumously.
The White House said the medal recognizes "exemplary contribution to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavours."
Among the recipients are Olympic gold medalist football star Megan Rapinoe, two-time Women's World Cup champion and outspoken advocate on equality, race and LGBTQ issues.
Ahead of a ceremony on July 7, the White House said those honored had "overcame significant obstacles ... and on their way to making change in their communities -- and around the world -- in a blazing way for generations to come." Acted bravely."
A posthumous recipient this year is John McCain, a one-time Republican presidential candidate, longtime senator from Arizona and a Vietnam War veteran who won the Purple Heart.
Past winners of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Motown singer Diana Ross and actor Robert De Niro.