Entertainment · Celebrity · 44 mins ago
Paul Anka, David Foster and Three Others Named Kennedy Center Honorees
Five artists have been named this year’s Kennedy Center honorees: singers Paul Anka and Barbara Mandrell, composer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia and writer David Mamet.
The honors ceremony will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The annual event, launched in 1978, recognizes people for lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
The Kennedy Center is also facing a legal dispute over President Donald Trump’s effort to have his name added to its exterior, which a court blocked.
The institution’s board has chosen to shut it down, while Trump has said on social media that the closure could allow renovations.
It is not yet known whether Trump will host this year’s ceremony; he hosted the 2025 event.
Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell have been named 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees.
The annual honors recognize lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
The 49th annual event is scheduled for Dec. 7 at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.
Anka and Foster were born in Canada, while Garcia was born in Cuba.
The announcement did not say whether President Donald Trump will host the ceremony.
- Who
- Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell.
- What
- They were named 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees for their lifetime contributions to the performing arts.
- When
- Announced on Nov. 2, 2026; the ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 7.
- Where
- The ceremony will take place at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.
- Why
- The honors recognize lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Kennedy Center announced the five honorees.
The 49th annual Kennedy Center Honors are scheduled to take place at Capital One Arena.
- Honorees
- Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell
- Event number
- 49th annual Kennedy Center Honors
- Ceremony date
- Dec. 7, 2026
- Venue
- Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- Anka and Foster
- Both were born in Canada
5 sources
David Mamet, Andy Garcia, Paul Anka Consent to Receive 2026 Kennedy Center Honors
Kennedy Center 2026 Honorees Include Paul Anka, Barbara Mandrell, David Foster
Paul Anka, David Foster & Barbara Mandrell Are Among 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees: Complete List
Paul Anka and David Mamet to Be Honored by a Kennedy Center in Turmoil
Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell Set for Kennedy Center Honors
What people are saying
We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences,
We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences. We are proud to honor this year’s class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years,