WATCH: Biden awards National Medals of Arts to Steven Spielberg, Missy Elliott, among others

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday honored acclaimed filmmakers, singers, writers and others who have made their mark on American culture, awarding the prestigious National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals to 39 recipients.

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Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee and Ken Burns and singers Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah were among 20 recipients of National Medals of Arts, while the 19 recipients of National Humanities Medals included playwright-screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and historian Jon Meacham.

Queen Latifah attends a reception for 2022 and 2023 recipients of the National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medal at the White House in Washington on Oct. 21, 2024. Photo by Elizabeth Frantz/ Reuters

Three of the medals were awarded posthumously: The late singer Selena Quintanilla and artist Ruth Asawa are arts medal winners and the late chef-author Anthony Bourdain was among the humanities medal winners.

“Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done,” Biden said at the White House ceremony.

Idina Menzel attends a reception for 2022 and 2023 recipients of the National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medal at the White House in Washington on Oct. 21, 2024. Photo by Elizabeth Frantz/ Reuters

Biden took a brief detour in his remarks to give a shout-out to Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for the White House.

“I know the…