Kennedy Center Sets 2026 Honorees: David Mamet, Paul Anka, Andy Garcia and More

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, along with President Donald Trump, has announced this year’s slate of honorees. Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will receive the prestigious honor at the 49th Kennedy Center Honors, taking place for the first time at the Capital One Arena on Dec. 7. The announcement comes surprisingly late, as the honorees are typically revealed between July and September. This year’s ceremony will also take place as political drama surrounds the institution, which has historically avoided partisan issues. The center’s board, handpicked by its chairman, Trump, voted in December 2025 to add his name to the building, causing widespread outrage. But when a federal judge ruled in May that only Congress can rename the building, Trump’s name came down in June. After the judge blocked another attempt to put the President’s name back on the building in September, Trump’s Kennedy Center board voted to close the center, citing structural deterioration. Trump has said renovations will not begin unless a higher court allows his name to return, warning that building could otherwise end up “ripped down.” Trump’s Justice Department has backed the President, arguing that the center faces financial and physical collapse without Trump’s name. A host has not yet been announced for this year’s ceremony. Trump himself hosted the 2025 gala, which saw a steep drop in viewership and honored Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, KISS and Michael Crawford. A broadcast partner was also not yet announced. CBS aired the event every year since its inception in 1978, but the network’s broadcast rights expired in 2025. “We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences,” Trump said in a statement. “We are proud to honor this year’s class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years.” Anka is the legendary singer-songwriter behind “Diana” and “My Way.” Foster is a 16-time Grammy winning composer who helped launch the careers of Celine Dion and Michael Bublé. Garcia is an Oscar-nominated actor whose credits include “The Godfather: Part III” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” Mamet is the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, director and author behind “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “Oleanna.” Mandrell is a country singer best known for “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right.” Past Kennedy Center honorees include Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Meryl Streep, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Led Zeppelin and Sidney Poitier.