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Anka, Foster, Garcia Lead 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees
2 Nov
Summary
- Five honorees selected for the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors.
- Event moves to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
- Paul Anka, David Foster, and Andy Garcia born outside the U.S.
The 2026 Kennedy Center Honors will feature five acclaimed artists: Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet, and Barbara Mandrell. Three of these honorees have international roots, with Anka and Foster hailing from Canada, and Garcia from Cuba. The prestigious ceremony is scheduled for December 7th in Washington, D.C.
For the 49th annual event, the Kennedy Center Honors will relocate from its long-standing home in the Opera House to the larger Capital One Arena. This shift marks a significant change for the event, which has been held at the Kennedy Center since its inception in 1978. Boeing, Delta Air Lines, and Tiffany & Co. are confirmed as exclusive underwriter and partners for the gala.
President Trump praised the honorees for their lifelong work shaping American culture and inspiring generations. The selections were made based on recommendations from a special honors advisory committee, with Trump serving as its chairman. This announcement follows previous years' honoree classes, including George Strait and KISS in 2025, and Francis Ford Coppola and Grateful Dead in 2024.
