Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah were honored at the 2024 National Medals of Arts ceremony. President Biden celebrated 39 cultural icons, including Steven Spielberg, Selena Quintanilla, and more.
Hip-hop icons Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah were among the 39 honorees who received the prestigious National Medals of Arts and National Humanities honors at the White House on Monday (Oct. 21). The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the arts in America, were presented by President Joe Biden in a ceremony celebrating artists, musicians, writers, and cultural leaders.
Hip-Hop Legends Recognized at the Prestigious Arts Ceremony
Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah, both trailblazers in the world of hip-hop, were celebrated for their cultural impact and their contributions to advancing the arts. These awards mark a historic moment for hip-hop as the genre continues to be recognized for its influence on American culture.
Missy Elliott’s Emotional Response to Receiving the National Medal
After the ceremony, Missy Elliott took to social media to express her gratitude. “I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of JOY!,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Elliott reflected on her personal journey, acknowledging her faith and resilience. “Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong but through FAITH & PRAYER I kept going... I’m SO THANKFUL @POTUS.”
Elliott also congratulated her fellow honoree, Queen Latifah, saying, “And a BIG CONGRATS to my sis @IAMQUEENLATIFAH who deserve all the bouquets she also was honored today! Thank you for kicking down doors QUEEN for me & those after you.”
Queen Latifah’s Groundbreaking Contributions
Queen Latifah, a pioneer in both music and film, was recognized for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of artists. From her groundbreaking work in hip-hop to her successful acting career, Latifah has continuously demonstrated the power of representation and storytelling in the arts.
President Biden Honors Artists and Cultural Icons
President Biden praised the honorees for their contributions, emphasizing the importance of the arts in shaping a better America. During his speech, he acknowledged the crucial role these artists play in enriching society and uplifting cultural expression.
Celebrating Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
“Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done,” Biden said, addressing the honorees, including filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, and documentarian Ken Burns. Playwright Aaron Sorkin and historian Jon Meacham were also among the National Humanities Medal recipients, recognized for their contributions to literature and historical understanding.
Notable Recipients: Spielberg, Lee, Sorkin, and More
The 2024 National Medals of Arts honored a wide range of individuals, from iconic filmmakers like Spielberg and Lee to musical talents like Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez and ukulele virtuoso Herbert I. Ohta. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was also among the honored institutions, recognized for its dedication to preserving and promoting country music heritage.
Posthumous Honors and Recognition of Female Leaders
This year’s ceremony also included posthumous honors for beloved figures like singer Selena Quintanilla and chef/author Anthony Bourdain. Biden took a moment to reflect on their lasting impact and contributions to their respective fields.
Selena Quintanilla and Anthony Bourdain Honored Posthumously
Selena Quintanilla, the iconic Tejano singer, was awarded a posthumous National Humanities Medal, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in Latin music. Similarly, Anthony Bourdain, known for his deep exploration of culture and cuisine, was honored for his work in bridging the gap between cultures through food and storytelling.
Biden’s Praise for Female Leaders and the Power of Women
During the ceremony, Biden highlighted the power of female leadership, acknowledging Vice President Kamala Harris and the day’s female honorees. He noted that the female winners were “proving a woman can do anything a man can do, and then some, that includes being president of the United States of America.”
After receiving a standing ovation for this remark, Biden addressed the current challenges facing the arts and humanities, citing efforts to ban books and spread misinformation. He emphasized the importance of the arts in preserving history and countering extreme forces.
Full List of Honorees
In addition to Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah, the 2024 National Medals of Arts recipients include actors Idina Menzel and Eva Longoria, among others. The awards are managed by the National Endowment for the Arts and are given to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the arts in the United States.
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