Recipients of 2015 Kennedy Center Honors Announced

The Kennedy Center announced Wednesday the selection of the six Honorees who will receive the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. Recipients to be honored at the 38th annual national celebration of the arts are:

• American rock band the Eagles
• Singer-songwriter Carole King
• Filmmaker George Lucas
• Actress and singer Rita Moreno
• Conductor Seiji Ozawa
• Actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson

New this year: For the first time, the Kennedy Center will launch a contest on social media (#SendMeToHonors) in which one winner will receive two tickets to the honors gala. Check it out on Twitter.

“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes the extraordinary and unparalleled talents of individuals whose impact and genius have left an indelible mark on civilization,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein, in a news release.

“Quite simply, our Honorees represent the voices, soundtracks, and stories of our personal lives and memories. The music of the Eagles has endured as the quintessential American rock and roll sound for generations; Carole King’s heartfelt lyrics and tunes are woven throughout the tapestry of American music; George Lucas’ films have enriched our world with stories of epic adventure; Rita Moreno’s iconic spitfire roles are embedded in the heart of American culture; Seiji Ozawa’s artistic leadership as a conductor has set a new standard for orchestras around the world; and Cicely Tyson’s range of strong female roles on stage and screen have broken boundaries for women of color.”

“When I look at this year’s outstanding slate of Honorees, I am struck by a powerful common theme— artists as history-makers, artists who defy both convention and category,” commented Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.

“Each Honoree and their career-spanning achievements exemplify a rare quality of artistic bravery. They have pushed the limits of their gifts as musicians, actors, and storytellers to inspire generations of Americans and those around the world. Their individual paths to excellence are inspirational and their contributions to the fabric of American culture are equally permanent and timeless.”

The annual Honors Gala has become the highlight of the Washington cultural and society calendar, and its broadcast on CBS is a high point of the television season. On Sunday, Dec. 6, in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, produced by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment, the 2015 Honorees will be saluted by today’s leading performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world.

Seated with the President of the United States and Mrs. Obama, the honorees will accept the thanks of their peers through performances and tributes.

This year’s selected Honorees were chosen based on the recommendation of the Center’s Special Honors Advisory Committee, which is chaired by trustee Cappy McGarr, and comprised of trustee member Elaine Wynn along with past Honors recipients and distinguished artists Yo-Yo Ma, Chita Rivera, Julie Andrews, and Herbie Hancock; and Harolyn Blackwell and Damian Woetzel.

PHOTO of honorees from the Kennedy Center