US President Barack Obama (R) awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Oprah Winfrey (L), in the East Room of the White House in Washington DC, USA, 20 November 2013. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS ( USA MEDAL OF FREEDOM WHITE HOUSE )