Hanks, Sting lead list of Kennedy Center honorees
AFP
WASHINGTON- Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and British rock-pop legend Sting are among the recipients of this year's Kennedy Center Honors, the highest US award for living performing artists.
US actress Lily Tomlin, soul singer Al Green and ballerina Patricia McBride round out the list of honorees, the Kennedy Center -- Washington's top venue for the performing arts -- announced.
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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