Steven Spielberg presented Presidential Medal of Freedom

Recognizing his profound impact as a filmmaker and important work as founder of USC Shoah Foundation — The Institute for Visual History and Education, Steven Spielberg was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Nov. 24.

“Steven’s films are marked most importantly by a faith in our common humanity, the same faith in humanity that led him to create the Shoah Foundation, and lend a voice to the survivors of genocide around the world,” President Barack Obama said in presenting the award at The White House.

“His stories have shaped America’s story and his values have shaped our world.”

Spielberg was among 17 individuals awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Among its efforts, USC Shoah Foundation records and shares interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides.