Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks, former Police frontman Sting, singer Al Green, ballerina Patricia McBride and comedian Lily Tomlin were announced as the 2014 Kennedy Center Honorees today.
The Kennedy Center Honors are now an annual American tradition and this year’s celebration will take place on Dec. 7 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. George Stevens Jr. and producing partner Michael Stevens will again produce the ceremony. Performances will be featured, likely with plenty of Police and Green songs. Perhaps President Obama can sing “Let’s Stay Together” again.
The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement.
Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend the ceremony. The medallions will be presented the night before with a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry.
Hanks is one of America’s most beloved actors and is one of only two in history to win two straight Best Actor Oscars. He won for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Hanks was last seen in the acclaimed Captain Phillips.
Tomlin has a shelf full of Emmys for her comedy work from Laugh-In onwards and was nominated for an Oscar for her work in Robert Altman’s Nashville.
Sting was a member of The Police, the British trio whose music defined the 1980s. He has since gone on to be a successful solo artist and is even going to have a Broadway show.
Green is known for countless hits, like “Let’s Stay Together,” “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and “I’m Still In Love With You.”
McBride became the star of the New York City Ballet during the 1960s and her choreography defined ballet for the company in the 20th century. She retired in 1989 with a standing room only show in Lincoln Center.
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