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- Kennedy Center Honors 2024: who was chosen and when to watch the broadcast
- Selection shake-up: how honorees were picked this year
- A first: a sitting president hosting the ceremony
- Leadership turmoil and staff departures behind the scenes
- The medallion redesign: Tiffany & Co. replaces a decades-old symbol
- Performers kept secret — but some stars may stay away
- What to watch for during the gala and broadcast
The Kennedy Center Honors have long been one of Washington’s most glittering nights, where stars gather to celebrate arts icons. This year, the spectacle returns with familiar fanfare — but under an unusual cloud of leadership change and public scrutiny.
Kennedy Center Honors 2024: who was chosen and when to watch the broadcast
The 48th annual Honors name five recipients spanning film, country music, rock, disco and musical theater. They are:
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- Sylvester Stallone — actor and filmmaker
- George Strait — country music legend
- KISS — the rock band known for theatrical shows
- Gloria Gaynor — disco and soul vocalist
- Michael Crawford — English actor and singer
The gala is being filmed and edited for television. The special will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Dec. 23.
Selection shake-up: how honorees were picked this year
Historically, the center used a months-long, bipartisan selection process. Board members, past honorees and public input all played roles.
This year, that routine shifted. The president of the United States said he was heavily involved in choices and publicly revealed the honorees at a Kennedy Center press event. That broke with the usual quiet announcement via the center’s channels.
A first: a sitting president hosting the ceremony
Presidential hosting is new territory for the Honors. Past emcees ranged from Walter Cronkite to Stephen Colbert.
This year, the president will serve as host — a first in the program’s history. He framed his decision by citing past television experience and predicted higher viewership.
Tradition grants honorees seats in the Kennedy Center’s Box Tier beside the president and first lady. It remains unclear how hosting duties will affect those customary photo moments.
Leadership turmoil and staff departures behind the scenes
The center has seen major turnover this year. In February, the president removed the Kennedy Center’s president and the board chair.
Since then, several staffers tied to the gala and the broadcast have left. That exodus has fueled questions about planning and whether long-standing production teams will be in place.
The medallion redesign: Tiffany & Co. replaces a decades-old symbol
One of the Honors’ visual traditions is the satin ribbon and gold medallion given to each recipient at a State Department dinner.
This year the award has a new maker. Tiffany & Co. created a redesigned medallion. The ribbon is now blue, while the medal itself includes rainbow stripes.
That marks the first time since 1978 the piece was not produced by the same family of artists.
Performers kept secret — but some stars may stay away
The Kennedy Center keeps tribute performers confidential until the show. Those surprises have generated memorable television moments.
Still, the leadership changes and public remarks from new management have prompted uncertainty about attendance.
- Past collaborators like Herbie Hancock have said they will not attend this year; Hancock will be on tour in Asia.
- Bonnie Raitt, a recent honoree and frequent tribute performer, also will not appear.
For decades the Honors built close ties with major artists worldwide. Recent comments about programming and politics may influence who chooses to participate.
What to watch for during the gala and broadcast
Expect the usual mix of speeches, musical tributes and onstage surprises. Producers typically keep lineups secret to preserve honorees’ reactions.
With leadership changes and new creative teams involved, viewers and industry insiders alike will be watching for differences in tone, presentation and who turns up to honor the recipients.
