The recipients of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors have been announced, and they include actor and comedian Billy Crystal, soprano Renée Fleming, singer-songwriter and Bee Gees member Barry Gibb, actress, singer, and rapper Queen Latifah, and singer Dionne Warwick. These individuals will be recognized for their lifetime artistic achievements.
Queen Latifah expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the journey she has taken throughout her career. She mentioned facing numerous obstacles and being told “no” in various aspects of her career, but she has overcome those challenges to become a multi-talented artist. She emphasized the significance of this recognition for not just herself and her team but also for their community.
Deborah F. Rutter, the President of the Kennedy Center, highlighted how each of the honorees has explored new artistic territories, pushed boundaries, and shared their gifts with the world. She specifically mentioned the privilege of honoring Queen Latifah, who is recognized as the “First Lady of Hip Hop,” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the birth of this uniquely American cultural art form.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture. The honorees are selected by the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees based on recommendations from a special advisory committee, as well as public nominations. The ceremony will take place on December 5, 2023, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.