Kennedy Center picks 2026 honorees, moves ceremony from home venue for first time

Five performers receive the 2026 Kennedy Center Honors at a new venue. The center announced Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell on Nov. 2. Their Dec. 7 ceremony at Capital One Arena is the first held outside the Kennedy Center since the honors began in 1978. President Donald Trump, board chairman since 2025, said: "We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences." The press release said honorees were chosen on Special Honors Advisory Committee recommendation under his leadership. After a September vote the main building closed for renovations as unsafe for occupancy. A November 2025 vote to add Trump's name was later blocked by a federal judge. Rep. Joyce Beatty has led a legal challenge, and last month Trump declined to commit to not demolishing the building. Paul Anka said the president-elect is an old friend of his for 50 years. David Mamet has called Trump the best president since Abraham Lincoln. No host or broadcast partner is announced. CONTESTED: none found. Left-rated stories foreground the honorees' ties to Trump and the center's legal fights; the record shows no right-rated coverage.