Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Denzel Washington was not present for the ceremony Thursday at the White House after testing positive for the coronavirus, a representative for the actor confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.
During the event attended by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, the president said the Oscar winner “couldn’t be here today but wanted to be,” according to CNN. He added that he would give Washington his award at a later date.
The “Fences” star was among 17 Americans to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor for the first time since Biden took office. Among the other honorees were professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
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