Medal of Freedom recipients do the Mannequin Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Barack Obama awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and innovators on Tuesday, and everyone was frozen in place -- literally. 

Receipts of the award participated in the infamous “Mannequin Challenge.” The video of the challenge was posted by several people to social media. 

Ellen DeGeneres almost didn’t make it to the ceremony.

She forgot to bring an ID to get into the White House. DeGeneres experienced a delay in getting into a ceremony in which she and 20 others were honored.

DeGeneres, sitting on a park bench before the ceremony, tweeted, “They haven’t let me in to the White House yet because I forgot my ID.” She added, “(hashtag)NotJoking.” 

Not to worry: DeGeneres made it in time. She even posted a video of the “Mannequin Challenge,” on Twitter saying: “I’m in.”

President Barack Obama said in honoring her that she has a way of making people laugh at something rather than someone, “except when I danced on her show.” Mr. Obama also praised her courage in coming out as gay nearly two decades ago.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, its security and its culture. President Obama called the 2016 group a “particularly impressive class.” 

In the film world, Mr. Obama honored Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.

Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest basketball players ever, were also among the honorees. Mr. Obama noted how Jordan’s name is synonymous with excellence. 

“There is a reason you call somebody ‘the Michael Jordan of,’” Mr. Obama said. “The Michael Jordan of neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognized for their music.

Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, DeGeneres and broadcaster Vin Scully.

Mr. Obama said the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world.

Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.

Others receiving the award included:

•  Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nation’s defense. 
  
•  Frank Gehry, one of the world’s leading architects. 
  
•  Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist. 
  
•  Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 
  
•  Lorne Michaels, producer of “Saturday Night Live” 
  
•  Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes. 
  
•  Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College. 
  

• White House
• Barack Obama