Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done,” Biden said at the White House ceremony.

Joe Biden got several standing ovations as he presented the National Medals of Arts and Humanities, including a moment when he referenced the presidential race as he talked about the power of women.

Other recipients of the National Medal of Arts include actors Idina Menzel and Eva Longoria, musician Flaco Jiménez, and producer Bruce Cohen. Photographer Carrie Mae Weems, whose works challenge societal norms, and painter Alex Katz will also be awarded, along with arts leaders Jo Carole Lauder and Bruce Sagan.