The recipients of the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors have been announced. President Donald Trump and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts revealed the five honorees on Monday, November 2.
This year’s class includes actor Andy Garcia, music producer David Foster, singer Paul Anka, playwright David Mamet and country music artist Barbara Mandrell. The annual honors recognize artists and entertainers for their lifetime contributions to the performing arts.
Paul Anka is known for songs such as “Diana” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” as well as writing the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” David Foster, a 16-time Grammy winner, has worked with artists including Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Barbra Streisand.
Andy Garcia received an Oscar nomination and is known for films including The Godfather Part III, The Untouchables and the Ocean’s series. He recently appeared in the second season of Landman. David Mamet, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, wrote Glengarry Glen Ross, American Buffalo and Oleanna, along with the screenplays for The Untouchables and Wag the Dog.
Barbara Mandrell, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is known for hits including “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” She also appeared with her sisters in the NBC variety show Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.
The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Monday, December 7, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. It will be the first time the event has been held outside the Kennedy Center since the honors began in 1978.
The Kennedy Center remains closed amid renovation plans and an ongoing legal dispute concerning President Trump’s efforts to add his name to the institution. A television broadcaster and air date for the ceremony have not yet been announced. CBS aired the event from 1978 through 2025, but its latest broadcasting agreement has expired.
Sources: Just Jared.