WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres brought to tears as she is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
It is the highest civilian honour in the USA.
Last updated 24th Jan 2017
Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the highest civilian honour in the USA on Tuesday (22nd November), and was brought to tears as President Obama described how courageous she had been.
Obama reminded those gathered and watching the live stream that when Ellen came out as gay, it was 1997 and America has come a long way since then.
He said it was "important not just for the LGBT community but for all of us. To see somebody so full of kindness and light, somebody we liked so much, somebody who could be our neighbour, or our colleague, or our sister, challenge our own assumptions."
He went on to say Ellen had pushed America in the "direction of justice" and "risked her career".
After his speech, Ellen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This medal is awarded to those who made 'an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States'.
Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were also at the White House to be presented with a medal.
WATCH: President Obama's speech »
Earlier this year, President Obama appeared on The Ellen Show where he said to Ellen, "I don't think anyone has been more influential than you".
WATCH: A clip President Obama on The Ellen Show »