President Donald Trump has announced the five recipients of the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors, an annual award celebrating achievements in the performing arts. The honorees include Oscar-nominated actor Andy Garcia, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet, singer Paul Anka, country musician Barbara Mandrell, and music producer David Foster.
In a press release, Trump described the honorees as "amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences." He added, "We are proud to honor this year’s class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years."
Mamet has previously praised Trump, while Anka has been a friend of the president for decades and collaborated with him on a reworked version of his song "My Way."
This year's ceremony marks a significant shift, as it will be held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., instead of its usual home at the Kennedy Center itself. The venue is currently undergoing a dispute with the Trump administration. The Kennedy Center, established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, has been the subject of controversy since Trump attempted to rebrand it as the Trump-Kennedy Center and later sought to close it for renovations.
A federal judge ruled last year that Trump's name had been added to the building illegally, ordering its removal. Despite Congress securing funds for the center's upkeep, Trump has stated he would not permit renovations to proceed unless his name is reinstated on the building.
The broadcast ratings for last year's Kennedy Center Honors, which Trump hosted, were reportedly at an all-time low. The Dec. 7 ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Capital One Arena.