Kennedy Center Honorees revealed for 2026 – Paul Anka and more - USA Today
The Kennedy Center honorees for 2026 have been unveiled.
The cultural center on Nov. 2 announced the latest set of artists who are set to receive Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement: Singer and songwriter Paul Anka, composer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, writer David Mamet and musician Barbara Mandrell will be recognized at the annual ceremony, which is scheduled for December.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognize "individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world" and who have "had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts."
"We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences," President Donald Trump said in a statement. "We are proud to honor this year's class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years."
George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone were the most recent honorees. They were recognized in a December 2025 ceremony hosted by Trump, who became the first president to emcee the event. The show aired on CBS and Paramount+.
Trump's actions around the Kennedy Center have drawn controversy and legal challenges since 2025, after the president took over as chair of the board, which voted to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy Center."
In September, the center's Trump-aligned board voted to close its main building for renovations, but the president threatened to spike the renovations if his name is not added onto the building. A judge previously blocked a board vote to close the center. The legal battle that will determine the Kennedy Center's future remains ongoing.
The 49th Kennedy Center Honors are scheduled for Dec. 7. The event will not take place at the Kennedy Center, but will instead be held at the Capital One Arena in Washington.
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
