The 47th class of Kennedy Center Honorees are saluted by
performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world December 8 in a gala evening at the famed Washington, D.C., venue.
The five honorees receiving the 47th Kennedy Center Honors for
lifetime artistic achievements are director and filmmaker
Francis Ford Coppola; American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart,
Bill Kreutzmann, Bobby Weir, and the late Phil Lesh); blues rock singer-songwriter
and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo
Sandoval; and Harlem's The Apollo, which is celebrating its 90th
anniversary and will receive a special Honors as an iconic American
institution.
The celebration, hosted by 2023 Honoree Queen Latifah, will be filmed for subsequent TV broadcast. The 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ December 22 at 8:30 PM ET.
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“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein in an earlier statement. “A brilliant and masterful storyteller with an unrelenting innovative spirit, Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture; a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, the Grateful Dead’s music has never stopped being a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other; Bonnie Raitt has made us love her again and again with her inimitable voice, slide guitar, and endless musical range encompassing blues, R&B, country rock, and folk; ‘an ambassador of both music and humanity,’ Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba 30-plus years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and modern jazz; and on its 90th anniversary, The Apollo, one of the most consequential, influential institutions in history, has elevated the voices of Black entertainment in New York City, nationally, and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”
“Our honorees this year have each played an invaluable, pioneering role in developing American culture—not with one act of art but with their decades-long devotion to pushing creative boundaries,” added Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “In December, we are thrilled to pay special tribute to New York City’s renowned Apollo Theater on its 90th anniversary. Throughout its history, The Apollo has guided us and the world forward by discovering and nurturing raw talent, molding a unique cultural identity that still defines American culture today. Across Honors weekend, artists with special connections to The Apollo will serve as ambassadors of the institution’s legacy.”
The Kennedy Center Honors pay tribute to individuals whose unique contributions have had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts, whether in music, dance, theatre, opera, motion pictures, or television.
Last year's honorees included Tony-nominated actor and
comedian Billy Crystal (Mr. Saturday Night); acclaimed soprano and Tony-nominated actor Renée Fleming (Carousel); British singer-songwriter, producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb (Saturday Night Fever); rapper, singer, and actor Queen Latifah; and Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick.
Done+Dusted returns to produce the event for a third year, in association with ROK Productions. The Honors are executive produced by David Jammy, Elizabeth Kelly, Jack Sussman. The show is directed by Alex Rudzinski.