The Kennedy Center has announced its 2026 honorees: singer Paul Anka, country music legend Barbara Mandrell, producer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, and playwright David Mamet.
The celebration will take place on December 7 at the Capital One Arena. Due to ongoing renovations at the Kennedy Center’s main building, this marks the first time the awards ceremony will be held off-campus.
About the Honorees
The 2026 class was selected based on recommendations from a special advisory committee, which includes former honorees, artists, and trustees. The recipients are recognized for their lifelong work in shaping American culture.
- Paul Anka: A pop singer and songwriter known for hits like "Diana" and "Puppy Love," as well as writing the lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s "My Way."
- Barbara Mandrell: A country music icon whose numerous hits include "I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool."
- David Foster: An accomplished music producer and 16-time Grammy winner who has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.
- Andy Garcia: An acclaimed actor who received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Godfather Part III."
- David Mamet: A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright known for works such as "Glengarry Glen Ross."