Michelle Obama
Awards & Honours
13
Awards Won
5
Honours
9
Rankings
7
Covers
4
Records
Michelle Obama's achievements span public service, literature, and cultural influence. She was the first African American first lady, a historic milestone that reshaped the role. Her memoir Becoming sold over 15 million copies and was translated into 24 languages, making it one of the best-selling memoirs of all time. She has been named the most admired woman in the world by Gallup multiple years running, from 2018 through 2022. Her Grammy win for the Becoming audiobook added a music industry honor to her list of accolades. She has appeared on the Time 100 list 11 times, a rare feat that reflects her sustained impact. The Obama Presidential Center, set to open in Chicago in 2026, will serve as a lasting hub for civic engagement and leadership development.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
National Women's Hall of Fame Inductee
Inducted for her contributions to public service, advocacy, and literature.
Honorary Doctorate
Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Honorary Doctorate
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Women of the Year Award
Recognized for her advocacy and influence as first lady.
Women of the Year Award
Honored for her continued impact on women's issues.
Rankings & Lists
Gallup Most Admired Woman
Gallup Most Admired Woman
Gallup Most Admired Woman
Gallup Most Admired Woman
Gallup Most Admired Woman
Forbes Most Powerful Women
Forbes Most Powerful Women
Time 100 Most Influential People
Time 100 Most Influential People
Magazine Covers
Vogue
March 2009
Michelle Obama: The First Lady
Vogue
April 2013
Michelle Obama: The Power of Style
Time
November 2018
Becoming Michelle Obama
People
December 2012
Michelle Obama: America's Mom
Essence
February 2009
Michelle Obama: The New First Lady
Glamour
November 2010
Women of the Year: Michelle Obama
Oprah Daily
November 2022
The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama's New Book
Records & Feats
First African American First Lady of the United States
Michelle Obama became the first African American to serve as first lady when her husband Barack Obama was inaugurated in 2009.
Best-Selling Memoir by a First Lady
Her memoir Becoming sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling memoir by a first lady in history.
Most Admired Woman in the World (Five Consecutive Years)
Gallup named Michelle Obama the most admired woman in the world from 2018 to 2022, a streak unmatched by any other woman in the poll's history.
Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album
She won a Grammy for the audiobook of Becoming in 2020, joining a select group of first ladies to win a Grammy.