The Lincoln Medal
The Lincoln Medal is an award given by Ford’s Theatre Society.
The Medal is awarded to a person (or persons) who, through his or her body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplifies the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by the most beloved president in our nation’s history, President Abraham Lincoln.
This Year’s Recipients
May 11, 2023 – As part of the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 11, 2023, Ford’s will recognize the 2023 Lincoln Medalists: trailblazing, EGOT-winning actress Rita Moreno and Ford’s Theatre trustee, health care advocate and patron of the arts Marlene A. Malek.
Celebrating 42 Years of the Lincoln Medal
The presentation of the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal is a highlight of the annual gala performance. Past recipients have included: Dr. Maya Angelou, Julie Andrews, Morgan Freeman, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Hon. John Lewis and Elie Wiesel.
Lincoln Medal Recipients
2023: Rita Moreno and Marlene A. Malek
2022: The Honorable James E. Clyburn and Clive J. Davis
2019: General Colin Powell, Alma J. Powell and Mark Russell
2018: Sheila C. Johnson and Jack Nicklaus
2017: Peyton W. Manning and Ronald O. Perelman
2015: Diane Nash
2014: The Honorable John D. Dingell and James Earl Jones
2013: Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Bill Russell
2012: Morgan Freeman, Elie Wiesel, Wayne R. Reynolds and The Honorable Rex W. Tillerson
2011: Lee Kuan Yew, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julie Andrews
2010: Justice Albie Sachs, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Dr. John R. Sellers
2009: Aretha Franklin, George Lucas and Sir Sidney Poitier
2008: Dr. Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, The Honorable Benjamin Carson, Jr. and The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor
2007: The Honorable John Lewis and Dr. James M. McPherson
2006: Dr. David Herbert Donald, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Zoe Dell Lantis Nutter and Nicholas D. Chabraja
2005: Robert A. Iger and Carl Lindner
2004: Laura Bush
2003: Donald J. Carty
2002: The Honorable Walter J. Hickel and The Honorable Ronald H. Walker
2001: James Whitmore
1999: Tricia Lott
1998: The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
1997: Robert G. Stanton
1995: Edward P. Faberman
1994: Mrs. Fritz Hollings and Mrs. Alan Simpson
1993: Lady Bird Johnson and Joseph Cates
1992: Barbara Bush
1991: The Honorable William F. McSweeny
1990: The Honorable Sidney Yates
1989: Frankie Hewitt and Tommy Berra
1988: The Honorable Stewart Udall
1987: Nancy Reagan
1986: Gerald Freed
1985: Joy Dirksen Baker
1984: Mrs. Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.
1983: Clyde Wheeler
1982: The Honorable C. William Verity, Jr.
1981: The Honorable Milton Young