The next class of Kennedy Center honorees has been announced as the famed institution remains in turmoil.
Singers Paul Anka and Barbara Mandrell, composer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia and writer David Mamet will be honored at a celebration Dec. 7 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
Typically held at the Kennedy Center, the celebration was moved due to an ongoing legal battle waged by Donald Trump as he fights to have his name added to the building.
The center was temporarily closed to the public in September by its board of directors. Nonetheless, the annual tradition of honoring Americans who have contributed to the performing arts will continue.
“We recognize incredible artists whose lifetime work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences. We are proud to honor this year’s class and continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years,” Trump said in a statement. The Hollywood Reporter.
16-time Grammy winner David Foster to be honored (Getty)
Paul Anka and Barbara Mandrell are among the new class of winners (Getty)
The celebration itself centers on performances honoring the winners.
Anka is perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” although her own hits include “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “Have My Baby.”
Country singer Mandrell is known for her signature anthem “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” as well as “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” and “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right.” She retired in 1997.
Playwright Mamet, a known Trump supporter, is the author of “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “American Buffalo.”
Garcia, nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Godfather IIIplayed a significant role in The Untouchables (1987) and continued to appear in the Ocean’s franchise.
Foster is the winner of 16 Grammy Awards and has co-written songs including “The Prayer”, “After the Love Has Gone”, “You’re the Inspiration” and “I Have Nothing”.
Playwright David Mamet is a Kennedy Center laureate (Fox News)
Andy Garcia is nominated for an Oscar for his role in ‘The Godfather Part III’ (Getty)
Trump hosted last year’s ceremony, which honored Sylvester Stallone, Gene Simmons, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait and Michael Crawford. The event, broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, attracted its smallest audience ever, with 35% fewer viewers than the previous year.
It is not yet known whether he will return as host this year. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
Trump and his team are desperately trying to convince a federal judge to approve closing the center in order to complete a two-year, $257 million renovation. But Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio challenged the shutdown with a lawsuit.
In September, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to provide at least 30 days’ notice before making physical changes to the Kennedy Center, including its demolition, after the venue’s Trump-controlled board of directors voted to close the venue for repairs.
Matt Floca, the Trump-appointed director, decided to “temporarily” close the Kennedy Center due to “acute risks to public safety resulting from continued structural deterioration” of the building, according to the Justice Department.
However, members of the National Symphony Orchestra continued to rehearse in the closed facilities.
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