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Rock band U2 and singer Gladys Knight were also recognised.

The star-studded event was attended by other celebrities and political figures, including Matt Damon, Patti LaBelle, Sean Penn, US Vice President Kamala Harris, Sheryl Crow, Garth Brooks, Sacha Baron Cohen and Sesame Street's Big Bird.

Mr Pelosi, wearing a black hat to cover head injuries he sustained when an intruder attacked him with a hammer, received a standing ovation, and a fist-bump from President Joe Biden.

Earlier, in a reception at the White House, the president praised the "exceptional group of artists" for their accomplishments and contributions to the arts.

Citing the lyric of U2's song One, Biden continued: "At a moment when there's too much hate, too much anger, too much division here in America and, quite frankly, around the world, we have to remember today, as their song goes, 'We're one, but we're not the same.

The band were later celebrated onstage at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who played their hits Elevation and One; while Ukrainian singer Jamala performed Walk On.

U2's singer Bono and guitarist The Edge played the song in Kyiv earlier this year at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

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