Kennedy Center announces 2026 honorees as Trump battle moves show offsite

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:38 · Archive

The Kennedy Center has named Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell as 2026 honorees.

The Kennedy Center announced on Monday that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will receive this year's Kennedy Center Honors. The ceremony will be held away from the iconic performing arts venue for the first time amid a federal court dispute over President Donald Trump's plans to renovate the building and add his name to it.

The honorees span multiple artistic disciplines. Mamet is an acclaimed playwright known for works including 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'American Buffalo'. Mandrell is a Country Music Hall of Fame member whose hits include 'Years' and 'Sleeping Single in a Double Bed'. Foster is among the most successful music producers of the past 50 years, having worked with Chicago and Natalie Cole. Anka has written or co-written iconic songs including 'My Way' and the theme to 'The Tonight Show' with Johnny Carson. Garcia's acting credits include 'The Untouchables', 'The Godfather Part III' and the HBO film 'For Love or Country'.

Several honorees have connections to Trump or have expressed conservative political views. Mamet told Fox News he was once a 'brain-dead liberal' who 'discovered my conservative beliefs'. Anka is described as a longtime friend of Trump who rewrote 'My Way' with MAGA-themed lyrics. Foster has performed for Trump in the past. The Kennedy Center Honors were established in 1978.

How it is being reported

• Kennedy Center names the 2026 honorees as Trump renovation battle moves the show offsiteThe Kennedy Center has announced that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will be honored at this year's Kennedy Center Honors.News4Jax · 2 Nov, 17:00
• Kennedy Center names the 2026 honorees as Trump renovation battle moves the show offsiteThe Kennedy Center has announced that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will be honored at this year's Kennedy Center Honors.Clickorlando · 2 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Paul Anka · David Foster · Andy Garcia · David Mamet · Barbara Mandrell · Donald Trump · Kennedy Center · Washington

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