Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Gloria Estefan, Among Honorees for Presidential Medal of Freedom

It is that time of year again. Awards season is picking up steam as the esteemed part of the population dust off their fine cloths as they prepare to receive their due for their litany of achievements.

The honorees for this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom have been announced and the list as always is impressive and resoundingly appropriate.

Among those to be feted include, director Steven Spielberg, folk singer James Taylor, the multi-talented Barbra Streisand, husband and wife dynamite team, Emilio Estefan and Gloria Estefan and revered conductor Itzak Perlman.

Composer Steven Sondheim who missed the opportunity to be bequeathed last year will have the opportunity to do so this time around.

President Obama released a statement in accordance with tradition, “I look forward to presenting these 17 distinguished Americans with our nation’s highest civilian honor”. “From public servant who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artist who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans”.

Click here for the full list of recipients.