The five will be honored at a black-tie awards gala attended by President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle on December 7 at the Kennedy Center.
The first couple will receive the five at the White House prior to the gala, a high point in Washington's social calendar.
"The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," stated the center's chairman David Rubenstein.
Honorees are selected by the executive committee of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees from recommendations from an advisory committee, prior recipients and the general public.
The awards gala will be recorded for broadcast on CBS on December 30.
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The first couple will receive the five at the White House prior to the gala, a high point in Washington's social calendar.
"The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," stated the center's chairman David Rubenstein.
Honorees are selected by the executive committee of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees from recommendations from an advisory committee, prior recipients and the general public.
The awards gala will be recorded for broadcast on CBS on December 30.
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