Ellen DeGeneres was emotional and was crying as she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her by President Barack Obama. As her tears continued to flow, Obama and Robert De Niro gave her a comforting hug.
The award is considered as the highest honor a US civilian could get, Elle reported. Obama defined the award saying that it signifies that individuals from all walks of life have the capacity and opportunity to change the country in a positive light. Seeing the beloved celebrity in tears made everyone else emotional.
Ellen was still in tears as she went back to her seat so De Niro gave her a reassuring hug and a comforting kiss on her head, Daily Mail reported. The comedian and talk show host was one of the 21 honorees at that special event. Other stars honoured during the event included Michael Jordan, Tom Hanks, Diana Ross, Bill and Melinda Gates, and more.
The introduction for her quoted Dory, the character she voiced over in "Finding Nemo," saying just keep swimming. According to the introduction spiel for her, she has been inspiring millions of Americans to propagate equality and acceptance. She has been inspiring her fans for her entire career, which has spanned for three decades.
Her day didn't go accordingly as she was earlier denied entrance to the White House because she forgot to bring her ID. She even poster a picture of her in her social media account where she sat on a bench on her own as security checked if she was indeed one of the guests. She tweeted that she was not allowed to enter the premise because she forgot her ID.
DeGeneres looked dapper with her maroon plaid suit. She paired it with a pair of white-soled sneakers. Wife Portia De Rossi was also in attendance. She donned a lovely white top over asymmetric dark skirt.
According to the White House, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who have given meritorious contribution to the country's security and national interest, which includes world peace, cultural and other endeavours.
