Days after he got baptised and received minister's license, actor Denzel Washington was conferred with Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honour. Another recipient of the honour is Michael J Fox, the star of the Back to the Future films. US President Joe Biden honoured them with the the medals.

John F Kennedy established the honour back 1963. It recognises people who have contributed considerably to the national interests or security of the US, fostered world peace, or had significant accomplishments in public or private endeavours. Past recipients also include Steven Spielberg. In 2025, the number of recipients include 19, including Washington and Fox.

Michael J Fox retired from acting in 2020, citing a health decline. On the other hand, Washington recently hinted at his plans to quit screen acting. Recently, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as Roman power broker Marnicus in Ridley Scott's Gladiator II.