Billy Crystal, Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick to Receive Kennedy Center Honors in Recognition of Lifetime Artistic Achievement

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced on CBS MORNINGS the selection of five Honorees who will receive the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. The recipients to be honored at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C., are actor and comedian Billy Crystal; acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming; British singer-songwriter, producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb; rapper, singer, and actress Queen Latifah; and singer Dionne Warwick.

SURPRISE: @BillyCrystal surprises our anchors after being named one of the Kennedy Center Honorees!

He reminisces on his career, from “When Harry Met Sally” to “Monsters, Inc.”: “I’ve just been fortunate to work with amazing people.” pic.twitter.com/bZmhpwpJ1m

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 22, 2023

Former Kennedy Center Honoree (2017) Gloria Estefan returns as host, marking her third time hosting the special. Done+Dusted return as executive producers for the second year. THE 46TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS will air on the CBS Television Network for the 46th year and stream on Paramount+*.

Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein said this about the 2023 Honorees:

“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of our nation. A true comedic icon and multi-talented artist since the 1980s who has kept millions laughing around the world, Billy Crystal is responsible for some of the most memorable stand-up moments and hilarious Hollywood scenes in the last half-century. Barry Gibb, along with his late brothers Robin and Maurice, set the music world on fire in the ’60s and later defined the modern dance era with their trademark falsetto sound and groove style, becoming a pop superstar group for the ages. Fittingly known as ‘America’s soprano,’ the beloved opera star Renée Fleming has captivated audiences worldwide with her luminous voice, incomparable artistry and a knack for bringing opera into the mainstream for more than four decades. As the ‘First Lady of Hip Hop,’ Queen Latifah shaped and innovated the art form in its earliest days, representing Black women everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change. And soulful songstress Dionne Warwick has blazed a trail with her signature voice, scintillating presence and trove of hits that has become a soundtrack of inspiration for generations of artists and audiences.”

Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center president, added:

“This year’s slate represents an extraordinary mix of individuals who have redefined their art forms and demonstrated remarkable tenacity and authenticity in becoming an original. Each of them has explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world. This year we pay special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, a uniquely American culture whose constant evolution is one of enduring relevance and impact, reflecting our society as it has grown into an international phenomenon. Hip hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way.”

Throughout its 45-year history, the annual Honors Gala has become the highlight of the Washington cultural and society calendar. On Sunday, December 3, in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 46th class of Kennedy Center Honorees will be saluted by today’s leading performers from New York, Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world. Seated in the Box Tier of the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House, the Honorees will accept the recognition and gratitude of their peers through performances and tributes. The 46th Kennedy Center Honors Gala concludes with a dinner in the Grand Foyer.

The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts. Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television, each Kennedy Center Honoree has a unique place in the national consciousness and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life. Each year, Honorees are confirmed by the executive committee of the Center’s board of trustees. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; over the years, the selection process has produced balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines.

THE 46TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS will be produced by Done+Dusted in association with ROK Productions, represented by Elizabeth Kelly, who will executive produce alongside David Jammy. The show will be directed by Alex Rudzinski.

*Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Essential-tier subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.