![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I3HDW6TAA3B3EYITAGD2F7JRMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fa3096fa1745dab6350e1ee63bf8b6cd86bf6377a09b19d91d4bf914fce3ea0&width=400&height=225)
Springsteen departs with his National Medal of Arts. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N5MQQVJFA4ABAVV4Q7K77KWF6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=5bfb947aa3d37db6ccf335b64b8e97fbe9cd6f16a2f9d1ddba1d7914d32f2512&width=400&height=225)
2021 National Medal of Arts recipient actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus hugs US President Joe Biden as he presents her with the medal during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R5U6OKHD4PVZDXKRMRP43DGFSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcc6c2987bf9791564a50dca51e37461744341cfcea2c48884ee48545873d6b8&width=400&height=225)
The ceremony for the recipients of the 2021 medals was previously delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4H75CKUALTFJOTQWM3FJA2GW5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=09e93556bfd46ef0b0b3cbe68328fb4c63510eb132d6e1e7b50ce354404673aa&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to musician Bruce Springsteen. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PO5J33LGW4Z2R6R3SF4LK6V63U.jpg?smart=true&auth=a08413f17e53e306a7ed29c7f9496e0b87d6acc9ca1a504193ab213ffc330709&width=400&height=225)
Springsteen is flanked by Medal of Arts recipients Vera Wang and Joan Shigekawa. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HTZNFL47OPCC3MHZQWEGZJOYEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=26c2eafc7d5ef39fec918a7585ad8912b2d8eb9023e16114201908baed090ab5&width=400&height=225)
Actress Mindy Kaling receives the 2021 National Medal of Arts from US President Joe Biden during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. President Biden is bestowing 12 honorees with the 2021 National Medal of Arts and another 11 with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. Photographer: Al Drago / Bloomberg
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TRWD6SX7JT3SBDNSP3H3RGEZ6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=fb1900adb59e776f8a522bd0fef3e8749715de5dbd58efaf605e6cde7049851e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden recognised US actress Mindy Kaling as the first Indian American woman to create and star in her own TV series. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4PIYRR5R62DCQ2GFPOPAW3BHV4.jpg?smart=true&auth=beffa769ebf5ee17a800403f497ffd0c6e835ae1df4160b55208a47d40996074&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards fashion designer Ms Wang with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T5Y33OV2TL3JGWBKAG2M4ZX4FM.jpg?smart=true&auth=bf5b761b9b71e8b0b5c6c6f43f42abe497d54ccf7d069648de5cc3bc990ef24d&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards singer Gladys Knight with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/22AW4IGA4IHO3VB7YZPQ7JXOD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a3c0c90922583a7943f9f8717241a1dde9b2615a5df5cfb964d0263a6073579&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards scholar Johnnetta Betsch Cole with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EUSXGNNLKQXSO7YYCBFZABUOEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=31fa794f46b9f8ef0f7e2b1672b2bd06c2f050c87ad075beede963e33e6bab6b&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards historian Earl Lewis with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R2PK4VO32AX25I2FKPEOTIY4WA.jpg?smart=true&auth=96aaba06e0f1fe110346b0cd0b9d0c0b5f8cdabfbc3e40dcfadda4bce36c5d55&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to Walter Isaacson. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K5FTLHY2TIRPH65GFDE4ZPVMVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7277789346d731c9c3f2d3a80cd65919ece9bd4d50b4dbe9143925cca570eef8&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards artist Antonio Martorell-Cardona with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AAXOYU5ZCGEDNQVZRGBL543HNM.jpg?smart=true&auth=3a4788c4baca5de57a2af36a4c728a2b50b87c6bcd13c07b2f52fdf4c9f78f57&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to Native American activist Henrietta Mann. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/47ARO4X6SB4ECGOPUL5ROYDPN4.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe956a0703c1a2259b6ca2b4cb1cb2df9dfcd3822962538605930aad8358eb42&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to bestselling author Ann Patchett. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ESFNAPX6UPOKFR6CX3FEGOUOKU.jpg?smart=true&auth=67a49fb08db55cabafab52625a0e83f55d93b66f0de7a0822d0548e7129d2b0c&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents bestselling author Amy Tan with a National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3U4EA6VZHQVD46VZAV3GRY7ARA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e05d983e66453f4b30ff0d658c30cfe0e33e1370afa80e1eefb0f7a5e0863574&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents author Colson Whitehead with a National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2X33HV7F67UBONALQPT3LDAUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3f093af944c9abe5f8bfd48b0df4903e49393d2ea9de4d36d81cf48c8bc8ec3&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents author Tara Westover with the National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ENXKZPXDHQEKQYNQHIRW6OB23Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=ffd060cb2039ed8541002de3e081404aecccf9fb5fbe7ae31660597c45327620&width=400&height=225)
Louis-Dreyfus departs a ceremony at the White House after being presented with her medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7V6B3R2R7ZZMHJQMS6IXDDLRAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f6e8af43dbfb32021b3c60edb658de7883414c9ab297052151d11ec2183522e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents lawyer, activist and author Bryan Stevenson with the National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VDINHU3S4ZNUUW75MR54WVUQ3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=3a461a76e31e8ea785f1319e8937ddb0ba9359215da4a17bf98320c5574646c5&width=400&height=225)
Ms Wang departs after being awarded with the 2021 National Medal of Arts during a ceremony at the White House. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SMSTDTFPFG7QH6CSR6LAM5F5NQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=285e019eb8e38beb2d43e0f0021954360528281cdc2c92d3cca2371cc1b230be&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards Jaclyn Sallee on behalf of Native America Calling. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3Z6T6XYRU5JQV6VKKLMVMUJ2KA.jpg?smart=true&auth=02f8906763e8151a1dbe8c4a80587cd3baf1ec5eb949751b88d3f056fdaa6f30&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to Blondel Pinnock on behalf of the Billie Holiday Theatre. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GOWYHA4QPXPOUZGL7LYIFJ3IEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=59240e020dd622e1ea32a9977b10b4487c1a39354b5ea4cdc162cff7416d4e28&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to Denise Saunders Thompson on behalf of the International Association of Blacks in Dance. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I3HDW6TAA3B3EYITAGD2F7JRMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fa3096fa1745dab6350e1ee63bf8b6cd86bf6377a09b19d91d4bf914fce3ea0&width=400&height=225)
Springsteen departs with his National Medal of Arts. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/N5MQQVJFA4ABAVV4Q7K77KWF6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=5bfb947aa3d37db6ccf335b64b8e97fbe9cd6f16a2f9d1ddba1d7914d32f2512&width=400&height=225)
2021 National Medal of Arts recipient actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus hugs US President Joe Biden as he presents her with the medal during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R5U6OKHD4PVZDXKRMRP43DGFSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcc6c2987bf9791564a50dca51e37461744341cfcea2c48884ee48545873d6b8&width=400&height=225)
The ceremony for the recipients of the 2021 medals was previously delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4H75CKUALTFJOTQWM3FJA2GW5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=09e93556bfd46ef0b0b3cbe68328fb4c63510eb132d6e1e7b50ce354404673aa&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to musician Bruce Springsteen. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PO5J33LGW4Z2R6R3SF4LK6V63U.jpg?smart=true&auth=a08413f17e53e306a7ed29c7f9496e0b87d6acc9ca1a504193ab213ffc330709&width=400&height=225)
Springsteen is flanked by Medal of Arts recipients Vera Wang and Joan Shigekawa. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HTZNFL47OPCC3MHZQWEGZJOYEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=26c2eafc7d5ef39fec918a7585ad8912b2d8eb9023e16114201908baed090ab5&width=400&height=225)
Actress Mindy Kaling receives the 2021 National Medal of Arts from US President Joe Biden during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. President Biden is bestowing 12 honorees with the 2021 National Medal of Arts and another 11 with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. Photographer: Al Drago / Bloomberg
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TRWD6SX7JT3SBDNSP3H3RGEZ6Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=fb1900adb59e776f8a522bd0fef3e8749715de5dbd58efaf605e6cde7049851e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden recognised US actress Mindy Kaling as the first Indian American woman to create and star in her own TV series. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4PIYRR5R62DCQ2GFPOPAW3BHV4.jpg?smart=true&auth=beffa769ebf5ee17a800403f497ffd0c6e835ae1df4160b55208a47d40996074&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards fashion designer Ms Wang with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T5Y33OV2TL3JGWBKAG2M4ZX4FM.jpg?smart=true&auth=bf5b761b9b71e8b0b5c6c6f43f42abe497d54ccf7d069648de5cc3bc990ef24d&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards singer Gladys Knight with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/22AW4IGA4IHO3VB7YZPQ7JXOD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a3c0c90922583a7943f9f8717241a1dde9b2615a5df5cfb964d0263a6073579&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards scholar Johnnetta Betsch Cole with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EUSXGNNLKQXSO7YYCBFZABUOEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=31fa794f46b9f8ef0f7e2b1672b2bd06c2f050c87ad075beede963e33e6bab6b&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards historian Earl Lewis with the 2021 National Humanities Medal. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R2PK4VO32AX25I2FKPEOTIY4WA.jpg?smart=true&auth=96aaba06e0f1fe110346b0cd0b9d0c0b5f8cdabfbc3e40dcfadda4bce36c5d55&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to Walter Isaacson. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K5FTLHY2TIRPH65GFDE4ZPVMVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7277789346d731c9c3f2d3a80cd65919ece9bd4d50b4dbe9143925cca570eef8&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards artist Antonio Martorell-Cardona with the 2021 National Medal of Arts. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AAXOYU5ZCGEDNQVZRGBL543HNM.jpg?smart=true&auth=3a4788c4baca5de57a2af36a4c728a2b50b87c6bcd13c07b2f52fdf4c9f78f57&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to Native American activist Henrietta Mann. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/47ARO4X6SB4ECGOPUL5ROYDPN4.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe956a0703c1a2259b6ca2b4cb1cb2df9dfcd3822962538605930aad8358eb42&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Humanities Medal to bestselling author Ann Patchett. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ESFNAPX6UPOKFR6CX3FEGOUOKU.jpg?smart=true&auth=67a49fb08db55cabafab52625a0e83f55d93b66f0de7a0822d0548e7129d2b0c&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents bestselling author Amy Tan with a National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3U4EA6VZHQVD46VZAV3GRY7ARA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e05d983e66453f4b30ff0d658c30cfe0e33e1370afa80e1eefb0f7a5e0863574&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents author Colson Whitehead with a National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2X33HV7F67UBONALQPT3LDAUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3f093af944c9abe5f8bfd48b0df4903e49393d2ea9de4d36d81cf48c8bc8ec3&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents author Tara Westover with the National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ENXKZPXDHQEKQYNQHIRW6OB23Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=ffd060cb2039ed8541002de3e081404aecccf9fb5fbe7ae31660597c45327620&width=400&height=225)
Louis-Dreyfus departs a ceremony at the White House after being presented with her medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7V6B3R2R7ZZMHJQMS6IXDDLRAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f6e8af43dbfb32021b3c60edb658de7883414c9ab297052151d11ec2183522e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents lawyer, activist and author Bryan Stevenson with the National Humanities Medal. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VDINHU3S4ZNUUW75MR54WVUQ3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=3a461a76e31e8ea785f1319e8937ddb0ba9359215da4a17bf98320c5574646c5&width=400&height=225)
Ms Wang departs after being awarded with the 2021 National Medal of Arts during a ceremony at the White House. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SMSTDTFPFG7QH6CSR6LAM5F5NQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=285e019eb8e38beb2d43e0f0021954360528281cdc2c92d3cca2371cc1b230be&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden awards Jaclyn Sallee on behalf of Native America Calling. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3Z6T6XYRU5JQV6VKKLMVMUJ2KA.jpg?smart=true&auth=02f8906763e8151a1dbe8c4a80587cd3baf1ec5eb949751b88d3f056fdaa6f30&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to Blondel Pinnock on behalf of the Billie Holiday Theatre. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GOWYHA4QPXPOUZGL7LYIFJ3IEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=59240e020dd622e1ea32a9977b10b4487c1a39354b5ea4cdc162cff7416d4e28&width=400&height=225)
Mr Biden presents the 2021 National Medal of the Arts to Denise Saunders Thompson on behalf of the International Association of Blacks in Dance. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I3HDW6TAA3B3EYITAGD2F7JRMI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fa3096fa1745dab6350e1ee63bf8b6cd86bf6377a09b19d91d4bf914fce3ea0&width=400&height=225)
Springsteen departs with his National Medal of Arts. Reuters
Biden honours Springsteen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mindy Kaling
White House ceremony was held in the East Room for National Medal of Arts and Humanities awards
![Holly Aguirre](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2Fed4a3565-cd20-4645-80d4-3aecdbb61a63.png?smart=true&auth=61bd369bf39259cf291b8e9baff7b827b03d27325e53721437dc287996cdc7c9&width=70&height=70)
Holly Aguirre
21 March, 2023
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic