Image via Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0.
The five recipients of the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors have been announced: singer-songwriter Paul Anka, music producer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, playwright David Mamet and country singer Barbara Mandrell. The Honors, which were last held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, before moving to a new home this year, will celebrate the recipients' contributions to American culture.
The ceremony will take place on Monday 7 December 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC — the first time the Honors have been staged outside the Kennedy Center itself. The move to the 20,000-seat arena follows the Kennedy Center's announcement in October 2026 that the ceremony would be held at a larger venue to accommodate increased demand.
The 2026 honorees
| Honoree | Age | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Anka | 85 | "Diana" (1957); English lyrics to "My Way" for Frank Sinatra; The Tonight Show theme |
| David Foster | 77 | 16-time Grammy winner; produced Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" |
| Andy Garcia | 70 | Oscar-nominated for The Godfather Part III; The Untouchables; the Ocean's films |
| David Mamet | 78 | Pulitzer Prize winner for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) |
| Barbara Mandrell | 77 | "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed"; first artist to win CMA Entertainer of the Year twice running |
How were they chosen?
The honorees were chosen on the recommendation of the Kennedy Center's Special Honors Advisory Committee, whose members include former honorees, distinguished artists and board members. Mandrell said on Instagram on 2 November that the honour was one of the greatest of her life. Anka, at 85, is the oldest member of this year's class.
What happens next?
Attention now turns to who will host the 7 December gala, which has not yet been announced, and to which broadcaster will carry the ceremony. Last year's ceremony, hosted by the president at the Kennedy Center, honoured Sylvester Stallone, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford and George Strait.
FAQs
Who are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors recipients?Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell.
When are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?Monday 7 December 2026.
Where are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors held?Capital One Arena, Washington, DC — the first time outside the Kennedy Center.
Who will broadcast the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?No broadcaster has been announced yet.
For more music coverage, see Gracie Abrams' biography and Sapna Choudhary's biography.
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