The White House press release reads: "Michelle Yeoh is an actress known for her groundbreaking work in a number of blockbusters over four decades. Recently, she became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Yeoh continues to shatter stereotypes and enrich American culture."

A winner of seven Olympic gold medals, a leader of the Mississippi civil rights struggle and a pioneer of television's tabloid talk show genre are part of this year's class of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.

President Biden will give the nation’s highest civilian honor Friday to former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and others.