President Obama has presented talk show legend and media mogul Oprah Winfrey and 15 others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is America�s highest civilian honor.
The award is given to individuals who have made �meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.�
President Obama called Oprah �the pinnacle of the entertainment universe,� as he put the medal on her neck.
Former President Bill Clinton, country star Loretta Lynn, women�s rights activist Gloria Steinem, baseball legend Ernie Banks and astronaut Sally Ride also received the award yesterday.