Five Major Artists Announced as Recipients of 2026 Kennedy Center Honors

2026, November 2

United States

The Kennedy Center announced its five recipients of the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors, recognising outstanding lifetime contributions to American arts and entertainment. This year's recipients are singer-songwriter Paul Anka, music producer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, playwright David Mamet and country music singer Barbara Mandrell.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 December at Washington's Capital One Arena, rather than the Kennedy Center Opera House, which is undergoing renovation. The annual honours remain among America's most prestigious recognitions of achievement in music, theatre, film and performing arts.