Biden to honor Mindy Kaling, Bruce Springsteen, more with Arts Medals

One of the responsibilities of being the President of the United States is giving out medals, and for Joe Biden, that means celebrating artists. In a ceremony next week at the White House, Biden will award the National Medal of Arts to ten people, including actress and writer Mindy Kaling, musician Bruce Springsteen, and motion picture director and producer Steven Spielberg.

The National Medal of Arts honors artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives for their contributions to the country’s culture. The recipients have been recognized for inspiring others with their work, pushing boundaries, and shaping our national identity. Through their work, they demonstrate the power of creativity to bring us together and enrich our lives.

Mindy Kaling, a writer, actress, and producer, is best known for her role on the show “The Mindy Project” and for writing and producing “The Office.” Bruce Springsteen has been a pillar of American rock music for nearly five decades, with hits like “Born to Run” and “Dancing in the Dark.” Steven Spielberg is among the most successful and influential filmmakers of all time, with credits including “Jurassic Park,” “E.T.,” and “Schindler’s List.”

The other recipients include choreographer and dancer Debbie Allen, author and poet Sandra Cisneros, architect and designer Walter Hood, painter and printmaker Faith Ringgold, author and historian Ron Chernow, visual artist and educator Starhawk, and musician and composer Bette Midler.

Honoring artists with the National Medal of Arts is an important tradition that highlights the vital role that creativity plays in our democracy. As we celebrate the work of these artists, we recognize that their contributions inspire us, challenge us, and help us to see the beauty that surrounds us every day.