The 49th Kennedy Center Honors will recognize five entertainers for their lifetime contributions to the performing arts. Here's what to know about the honorees, ceremony, and performers,
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 2, 2026
The 2026 Kennedy Center Honors will celebrate five influential figures in music, film, and theater during a ceremony on December 7, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the 49th class of honorees on November 2, 2026. This year's recipients are Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet, and Barbara Mandrell.
The annual celebration recognizes individuals whose lifetime contributions have helped shape American arts and entertainment. Established in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors has recognized achievements across music, dance, theater, opera, film, and television.
The 2026 ceremony will take place at Capital One Arena for the first time, marking a change from its traditional location at the Kennedy Center.
When Are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?
The 49th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on Monday, December 7, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony will recognize this year's five recipients through a celebration of their careers and contributions to the performing arts.
Additional details about the event, including the performers, presenters, and television broadcast, will be added as they are announced.
Who Are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees?
Five artists have been selected to receive the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors, representing accomplishments in music, television, film, and theater.
Paul Anka
Paul Anka has enjoyed a career spanning nearly seven decades as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer.
Anka became a teenage sensation in 1957 with his No. 1 hit "Diana." His recording career continued with songs including "Puppy Love" and "(You're) Having My Baby."
As a songwriter, he wrote the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra's "My Way," the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and songs recorded by Buddy Holly, Tom Jones, and other major artists.
Anka is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His latest album, Inspirations of Life and Love, was released in 2026.
David Foster
David Foster is a composer, producer, and musician whose work has contributed to some of the most recognizable recordings in popular music.
A 16-time Grammy Award winner, Foster has also received an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song.
His extensive career includes working with Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Chicago, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and numerous other artists.
Foster also helped launch the careers of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé.
His work extends to Broadway, where he composed the music for BOOP! The Musical, which opened in 2025.
Andy Garcia
Andy Garcia is an actor, director, and producer whose career includes acclaimed performances in film and television.
Garcia received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his role in The Godfather Part III. His other film credits include The Untouchables, the Ocean's trilogy, and Father of the Bride.
He also earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for portraying Cuban musician Arturo Sandoval in HBO's For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story.
In addition to his acting career, Garcia has worked as a filmmaker and music producer, earning Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards for his collaborations with musician Israel "Cachao" López.
His film Diamond, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.
David Mamet
David Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, director, and author known for his contributions to American theater and film.
His play Glengarry Glen Ross received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1984. Other notable theatrical works include American Buffalo, Oleanna, and Speed-the-Plow.
Mamet's screenwriting credits include The Verdict, The Untouchables, and Wag the Dog. He has received two Academy Award nominations and has written and directed numerous films.
His television work includes co-creating and executive producing the CBS series The Unit. He is also a founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company.
Barbara Mandrell
Barbara Mandrell is a country music entertainer recognized for her recording career, musicianship, and success on television.
Born in Houston, Texas, Mandrell demonstrated musical talent at an early age. By age 11, she was an accomplished steel guitarist who had attracted the attention of Chet Atkins and Joe Maphis. As a teenager, she toured with Johnny Cash.
Her country music hits include "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed," "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right," and "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool."
Mandrell won the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award in 1980 and 1981. She also starred alongside her sisters Louise and Irlene in the NBC variety series Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.
After retiring from performing in 1997, Mandrell continued to receive recognition for her career. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2009, followed by the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2014.
Following the announcement of her selection as a Kennedy Center Honoree, Mandrell shared her appreciation in a social media post.
"Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors is one of the greatest honors of my life. First and foremost, I give thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose grace has guided me throughout my life and career. I’m grateful to my family, the musicians and songwriters who have been part of this journey, and the fans who have supported me through every season. Country music has been a gift to me, and I’m humbled that the songs and performances we shared continue to mean something to people."
Who Is Performing at the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?
The performers for the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors have not yet been announced.
The annual celebration traditionally features musical performances and tributes recognizing the honorees and their careers.
The confirmed performer lineup will be added when it becomes available.
Who Is Hosting and Presenting at the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?
A host and the list of presenters for the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors have not yet been announced.
Additional information about the individuals participating in this year's ceremony will be included as it is confirmed.
When Will the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors Air on TV?
A television broadcast date, network, and airtime for the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors have not yet been announced.
CBS broadcast the Kennedy Center Honors annually from 1978 through 2025. However, its previous broadcast agreement ended after the 2025 ceremony, and a broadcast partner for the 2026 event has not yet been confirmed.
The December 7 date is for the ceremony itself and should not be confused with a television premiere date.
The broadcast information will be updated once an official announcement is made.
Where Can You Stream the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors?
Streaming availability for the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors has not yet been confirmed.
Details about streaming platforms and on-demand viewing will be added when announced.
Where Are the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors Being Held?
The 2026 Kennedy Center Honors will be held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
This marks the first time the ceremony will take place at the arena rather than at the Kennedy Center itself.
The venue change comes as the Kennedy Center's main building remains closed during assessments and planned renovation work.
How Are the Kennedy Center Honorees Selected?
According to the Kennedy Center, the 2026 recipients were chosen based on recommendations from its Special Honors Advisory Committee.
The committee includes former Kennedy Center Honorees, distinguished artists, and members of the organization's Board of Trustees.
President Donald Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, participated in announcing the 2026 honorees.
What Are the Kennedy Center Honors?
Established in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors recognizes individuals whose careers have made significant contributions to the performing arts.
The annual celebration recognizes accomplishments across music, theater, dance, opera, motion pictures, and television.
The Honors have become a longstanding tradition in American arts and entertainment, celebrating artists and their lifetime achievements.
For official announcements and additional information, visit the Kennedy Center's 2026 Honors press release.
Photo Credit: Kennedy Center