Opinion
KenCen Honors bring A-Listers to D.C.
12/04/08 9:16 AM EST
Perhaps no other event in Washington, D.C. brings in such star power as the annual Kennedy Center Honors. And this year's event, which takes place Sunday, is no exception.Yeas & Nays has gotten a sneak peak at some of the stars heading to town for the event, which honors achievements in the performing arts. (This year's recipients are Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman, George Jones, Twyla Tharp and Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.)
Clint Eastwood is presenting Freeman with his award, according to Eastwood's agent, Leonard Hirshan. Eastwood directed and starred alongside Freeman in "Million Dollar Baby," for which both men won Oscars. The men will also be working together again in the upcoming Eastwood-directed film "Human Factor," which begins filming his March in South Africa. Denzel Washington will also participate in the tribute to Freeman.
Also coming to town: Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Ne-Yo, Shelby Lynne, Idina Menzel, Alan Jackson, Joss Stone and Glenn Close.
Despite the strong roster of celebrities, all eyes will be focused on Streisand. Why? Simple: The notorious Bush basher will be forced to spend some time with President Bush during the event, as protocol dictates that honorees typically spend some time with the president at the White House and Bush will be seated with the honorees during the Kennedy Center ceremony.
"This could get ugly," said one source involved with the star-studded weekend.
