Abraham Lincoln, wearing his signature beard and dressed in a suit, is seated for a formal portrait. He looks off to his left. He is photographed from the legs up.
Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

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.

A photograph of Nancy Pelosi on the left and Stephen A. Swartzman on the right.

This Year’s Recipients

As part of The Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 9, 2024, Ford’s recognized the 2024 Lincoln Medalists: The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House and philanthropist and co-founder, CEO and Chairman of Blackstone, Stephen A. Schwarzman. The recipients, through their achievements and personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Celebrating 43 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

2024: The Honorable Nancy Pelosi and Stephen A. Schwarzman

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

Lincoln Medalists Gallery

Lincoln Medalist Sidney Poitier at the Ford’s Theatre Reopening Celebration on February 11, 2009. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Medalist Sidney Poitier at the Ford’s Theatre Reopening Celebration on February 11, 2009. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Medalist James Earl Jones with Debbie Allen at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 22, 2014. Photo by James R. Brantley.

Lincoln Medalist James Earl Jones with Debbie Allen at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 22, 2014. Photo by James R. Brantley.

The Honorable Eric Holder with Lincoln Medalist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 5, 2011. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

The Honorable Eric Holder with Lincoln Medalist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 5, 2011. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Medalist Justice Albie Sachs and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Ford’s Theatre Gala on June 6, 2010. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Medalist Justice Albie Sachs and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Ford’s Theatre Gala on June 6, 2010. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Senator Bob Corker and Lincoln Medalist Peyton W. Manning at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 4, 2017. Photo by James R. Brantley.

Senator Bob Corker and Lincoln Medalist Peyton W. Manning at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 4, 2017. Photo by James R. Brantley.

Lincoln Medalist George Lucas and The Honorable Nancy Pelosi at the Ford’s Theatre Reopening Celebration on February 11, 2009.

Lincoln Medalist George Lucas and The Honorable Nancy Pelosi at the Ford’s Theatre Reopening Celebration on February 11, 2009.

Poet Maya Angelou with Lincoln Medalist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu at the Ford’s Theatre Gala on June 6, 2010. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

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.

Lincoln Medalist Dr. Condoleezza Rice at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 2, 2013. Photo by James R. Brantley.

Lincoln Medalist Dr. Condoleezza Rice at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 2, 2013. Photo by James R. Brantley.

Lincoln Medalist Bill Russell at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 2, 2013. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Lincoln Medalist Bill Russell at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 2, 2013. Photo by Margot Schulman.