A woman in formal attire singing into a microphone on a stage with eight other performers watching.

Deborah Cox and the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala Ensemble perform June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Annual Gala

In a landscape rich with arts and culture organizations, Ford’s Theatre is unique. Not only is Ford’s an official national historic site dedicated to preserving President Abraham Lincoln’s memory, but it is a living tribute to the indelible mark our 16th President left on the country. By honoring his legacy through a world-class museum, celebrating his love of theatre through award-winning productions and instilling his principles in future generations through educational programs for students and teachers, Ford’s Theatre brings President Lincoln’s ideals to life. At the heart of Lincoln’s efforts was a desire to bring people together and unite the nation.

Today, Ford’s Theatre ennobles that sentiment through its renowned Annual Gala, an opportunity for government officials, philanthropists and legendary figures in American culture to come together through the performing arts in support of this timeless institution.

Funds raised from the Annual Gala support the artistic and educational efforts of Ford’s Theatre, enabling nearly 700,000 visitors each year to find inspiration and encouragement in the achievements of one of our nation’s most beloved presidents.

For more information, please contact us at gala@fords.org.

Lincoln Medalist Morgan Freeman at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 3, 2012. Photo by Margot Schulman. — Lincoln Medalist Morgan Freeman at the *Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala* on June 3, 2012. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Celebrating 41 Years of the Lincoln Medal

The presentation of the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal is a highlight of the annual gala performance. The Lincoln Medal is presented to individuals who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and character embodied by President Lincoln. Past recipients have included: Dr. Maya Angelou, Julie Andrews, Morgan Freeman, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Hon. John Lewis and Elie Wiesel.

See Medalists

Videos from the Gala

The Honorable James E. Clyburn accepted the 2022 Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal on June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Clive J. Davis accepted the 2022 Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal on June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Photos from the Gala

A woman in formal attire singing into a microphone on a darkened stage.

Deborah Cox performs at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

A man in formal attire holding a guitar and singing into a microphone.

Sam Palladio performs at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Norwood Photography.

A man in formal attire giving a speech at a red podium.

The Honorable James E. Clyburn speaks after receiving the Lincoln Medal at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman

Clive Davis giving a speech at a podium in front of a projection reading, “Clive J. Davis. 2022 Lincoln Medal Recipient.”

Clive Davis speaks after receiving the Lincoln Medal at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Jared Alexander, Amanda Castro and Naomi Funaki perform a tap number at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

A woman singing into a microphone on a stage balcony looks down at 7 performers.

A moment of reflection on the lives lost to gun violence at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

A group of men and women dressed in formal attire stand on a stage and sing. Behind them are two staircases leading up to a balcony. Above them lights are suspended from wires.

The full performing company at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

A woman in formal attire standing on a stage with the projection behind her reading, “Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala 2022 Lincoln Medal.

Phylicia Rashad at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Norwood Photography.

Two older men and one older woman stand together and smile for the camera in a round room. The man on the right wears a medal around his neck.

Mr. Paul Pelosi, The Honorable Nancy Pelosi and Lincoln Medalist Clive Davis at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Two men and one woman, all in formal attire, sit together in the audience of a production at Ford's Theatre. The woman leans forward and smiles.

Ambassador Shaikh Salem Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Mrs. Rima Al-Sabah and other guest at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 5, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Annual Gala

Celebrating 41 Years of the Lincoln Medal

Videos from the Gala

Photos from the Gala

Sponsors