Playwright and director David Mamet, actor Andy Garcia, country singer Barbara Mandrell, music producer David Foster and singer Paul Anka have agreed to receive the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors.
The Kennedy Center describes the annual ceremony as a celebration of artists’ lifetime contributions to music, dance, theater, opera, film and television. Anka and Foster, both born in Canada, are among this year’s international honorees.
The ceremony will take place at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The venue change follows the Kennedy Center board’s claim that the institution must close for a two-year renovation. Since President Donald Trump’s takeover of the cultural institution during his second administration, the center has faced controversy over canceled performances by artists and efforts to add his name to the building.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recognized KISS, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford at a ceremony hosted by Trump. The event received low television ratings, while Tom Cruise reportedly declined the opportunity to be honored.
Sources: Consequence.