Barbra Streisand’s list of accomplishments is legendary, so it must take a hell of a lot to get her excited about receiving yet another honor.
We may have found that moment, thanks to President Obama, who bestowed the Presidential Medal Of Freedom upon her last night.
During a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Obama presented the medal to 13 living and four posthumous pioneers in science, sports, public service, human rights, politics and the arts.
Barbra represents all of those categories.
Science: She was the first to put forward the now widely accepted theory that the sun is a “ball of butter.”
Sports: She helped coach Ryan O’Neal’s improbable boxing career in The Main Event.
Public Service: Every time she sings, it’s a public service
Human Rights: The Streisand Foundation has raised tens of millions for human rights around the world.
Politics: She’s one of those “Hollywood liberals”
Arts: Duh.
Not bad, wouldn’t you say?
The president joked that he was “verklempt” presenting the award, and Barbra looked positively giddy receiving the honor, another jewel in her illustrious life.
Hey, watch the hair.
Barbra was joined in receiving this year’s award by Yogi Berra, Bonnie Carroll, Shirley Chisholm, Billy Frank Jr., Lee Hamilton, Katherine G. Johnson, Willie Mays, Barbara Mikulski, Itzhak Perlman, William Ruckelshaus, Steven Spielberg, James Taylor, plus Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
And out composer Stephen Sondheim, who somehow had never been honored before.
You can see the entire ceremony below. Congratulations to all of this year’s worthy recipients!