Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment have been honoured by US President Barack Obama with the Medal of Freedom.

The star-studded list included Robert De Niro, Robert Redford, Diana Ross, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan and Bruce Springsteen.

The President became emotional as he paid tribute to entertainer and LGBT activist Ellen de Generes.

He said Ellen's decision to come nearly 20 years ago was a brave step: