Kennedy Center to honor Tom Hanks, Al Green, Lily Tomlin, others

The 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which recognize the lifetime contributions of artists, have selected their 2014 honorees: singer Al Green, filmmaker Tom Hanks, singer-songwriter Sting, comedienne Lily Tomlin, and ballerina Patricia McBride.

As per usual, the honorees, who are chosen by the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, will sit with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the Kennedy Center Opera House, while their peers and fans honor them with performances and tributes.“The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a press release. “Al Green’s iconic voice stirs our souls in a style that is all his own; Tom Hanks has a versatility that ranks him among the greatest actors of any generation; one of the world’s greatest ballerinas, Patricia McBride continues to carry forward her legacy for future generations; Sting’s unique voice and memorable songwriting have entertained audiences for decades; and from the days of her early television and theatrical appearances, Lily Tomlin has made us laugh and continues to amaze us with her acting talent and quick wit.”

The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 9 p.m. on CBS.