The Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious event recognizing lifetime achievements in the arts and entertainment, is celebrating a diverse group of artists including comedian Billy Crystal and actor Queen Latifah.
The black-tie gala, to be held Sunday night, will also honor opera singer Renée Fleming, music legend Barry Gibb, and hitmaker Dionne Warwick. Each of these distinguished artists will receive personalized tributes, featuring secret performances and appearances.
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter lauded the 2023 honorees as an “extraordinary mix of individuals who have redefined their art forms.”
Billy Crystal, known for his pioneering role in the sitcom “Soap” and popular films like “When Harry Met Sally…” and “The Princess Bride,” has previously been honored with the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy.
He now joins an elite group of comedians recognized for their dual achievements, a list that previously included names like David Letterman and Steve Martin but saw Bill Cosby’s honors rescinded following his sexual assault conviction.
Dionne Warwick, at 82, has enjoyed a stellar career since the 1960s, working with the iconic songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Her enduring legacy includes hits such as “I Say a Little Prayer” and “That’s What Friends Are For.”
Renée Fleming, 64, has established herself as a leading soprano, receiving accolades like the National Medal of Arts and honors from both the German government and England’s Royal Academy of Music.
Barry Gibb, 76, gained worldwide fame as a member of the Bee Gees. Along with his brothers Robin and Maurice, both deceased, the group produced a series of hits that created a whole music movement across the 70’s and early 80’s, including soundtracks for the popular Saturday Night Fever franchise along with Grease.
Queen Latifah, who began her career as a rap star at 19, has since expanded her repertoire to include seven studio albums, numerous film and television roles, and an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Chicago.”
In a unique piece of trivia, both Fleming and Latifah, whose real name is Dana Owens, performed at the 2014 Super Bowl, with Fleming singing the national anthem and Latifah performing “America the Beautiful.”
The event will be hosted by President Biden and the First Lady.
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