Paul Anka, Andy Garcia, and Barbara Mandrell will receive the Kennedy Center Honors, the U.S. arts community’s highest lifetime achievement award, the Washington Post confirmed.
The honorees were announced on Monday, with the ceremony scheduled for December at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Anka, a Canadian-American songwriter and performer known for classics like “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” will be recognized for his enduring influence on popular music. Garcia, a Cuban-American actor celebrated for roles in “The Godfather Part III” and “Ocean’s Eleven,” joins the class for his contributions to film and theater. Mandrell, a pioneering country music artist and television personality, will be honored for her impact on country music and entertainment.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognize individuals for lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. The class also includes David Foster, David Mamet, and Paul Anka, as previously reported by multiple outlets including Playbill and Deadline. The announcement follows a period of institutional transition at the Kennedy Center, which has navigated leadership changes and operational challenges in recent years.
