The Kennedy Center announced Monday that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will receive its 2026 honors, naming a new class of recipients as President Donald Trump continues to reshape the institution.
The Dec. 7 ceremony will take place at Capital One Arena, marking the first time the awards have been held outside the Kennedy Center. The institution has been closed amid a legal dispute over plans for a two-year shutdown for extensive renovations and Trump’s effort to add his name to the building.
The five honorees span music, film and theater. Anka wrote hits including “My Way,” Foster has produced music for some of the industry’s biggest artists, Garcia is known for roles in “The Godfather Part III” and “The Untouchables,” Mamet won a Pulitzer Prize for “Glengarry Glen Ross,” and Mandrell is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Many of the honorees have ties to Trump or conservative politics. Anka is a longtime friend of the president, Mamet has publicly embraced conservative views, and Foster has performed for Trump.
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“We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences,” Trump said in a press release. “We are proud to honor this year’s class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years.”
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