President Barack Obama awarded Ellen DeGeneres the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, and it is given to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
DeGeneres was chosen for the award because of her work as an LGBTQ advocate and her efforts to promote equality and acceptance. In addition to her work on television, DeGeneres has also been active in philanthropy, and she has used her platform to speak out against discrimination.
The Medal of Freedom is a well-deserved recognition for DeGeneres' work in promoting equality and acceptance.