And the envelope, please: this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees are Bruce Springsteen, Mel Brooks, Robert DeNiro, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry.
This year’s ceremony will take place Dec. 6 at the Kennedy Center, and recorded for broadcast on CBS on Dec. 29. Producing, as he has since he created the Honors 32 years ago, will be George Stevens, Jr.
“With his hilarious movies and musicals, Mel Brooks has created comedic gems that will keep us laughing for years to come,” said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman. “Dave Brubeck’s genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form. Grace Bumbry helped to break the color barrier on her way to one of the most illustrious operatic careers in the 20th century. One of America’s greatest cinematic actors, Robert De Niro has demonstrated a legendary commitment to his characters and has co-founded one of the world’s major film festivals. With his gritty and honest songs that speak to the everyman, Bruce Springsteen has always had his finger on the pulse of America.”
At least two of the honorees will be quite welcome when they meet with President Obama prior to the awards ceremony. DeNiro donated the maximum of $2,300 to the president’s campaign in 2008, and has donated more than $60,000 to other Democratic candidates and causes, according to FEC records. Springsteen has of course been a Democratic stalwart, stumping and performing for Obama in 2008, as well as John Kerry in 2004.
On the evening prior, the awardees will be invited to the traditional State Department dinner, hosted by Secretary Hillary Clinton.
