The Kennedy Center has named Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell as its honorees. The December 7 ceremony is planned at Washington’s Capital One Arena for the first time. The announcement follows a dispute over the performing arts center’s name and building, while its host and television broadcaster remain unannounced.
Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has selected singer-songwriter Paul Anka, composer and producer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, playwright David Mamet and country singer Barbara Mandrell for its annual honors. The 49th ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at Capital One Arena, the first time the event is planned for that Washington venue.[1], [2]
Anka’s songs include Diana and My Way. Foster, whose collaborators include singers Celine Dion and Michael Bublé, has won 16 Grammy Awards. Garcia’s films include The Godfather: Part III and Ocean’s Eleven. Pulitzer Prize winner Mamet wrote Glengarry Glen Ross and Oleanna; Mandrell’s recordings include I’ve Been Loving You Too Long and (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right.[1]
The announcement comes after a federal judge ruled that only Congress could rename the center. Its board, chosen by President Donald Trump, subsequently voted to close the building, citing structural deterioration. Trump also chairs the board. This year’s host and broadcast partner have not yet been announced. US television network CBS carried the ceremony from 1978, but its rights expired in 2025. Trump hosted that year’s gala, honoring Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, KISS and Michael Crawford.[1]
