The Kennedy Center Honors announced the 2015 honorees on Thursday based on "lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts," and they include singer-songwriter Carole King, "Star Wars" director George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson.
The honorees will be recognized during the 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, scheduled to air on Dec. 29 (9-11 p.m., EST/PST) on CBS, which broadcasts the special every year since its inception 38 years ago.
"The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes the extraordinary and unparalleled talents of individuals whose impact and genius have left an indelible mark on civilization," said chairman of the Kennedy Center, David M. Rubenstein, in a press release.
"Quite simply, our honorees represent the voices, soundtracks, and stories of our personal lives and memories. Carole King's heartfelt lyrics and tunes are woven throughout the tapestry of American music; George Lucas' films have enriched our world with stories of epic adventure; Rita Moreno's iconic spitfire roles are embedded in the heart of American culture; Seiji Ozawa's artistic leadership as a conductor has set a new standard for orchestras around the world; and Cicely Tyson's range of strong female roles on stage and screen have broken boundaries for women of color," he said.
"When I look at this year's outstanding slate of honorees, I am struck by a powerful common theme - artists as history-makers, artists who defy both convention and category," added Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. "Each honoree and their career-spanning achievements exemplify a rare quality of artistic bravery. They have pushed the limits of their gifts as musicians, actors, and storytellers to inspire generations of Americans and those around the world. Their individual paths to excellence are inspirational and their contributions to the fabric of American culture are equally permanent and timeless."
The Kennedy Center's 2015 honorees, who will be seated next to United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, will be regaled with performances and heartfelt tributes. The honorees are selected by the Center's Board of Trustees based on excellence and contribution to American culture through dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television.
The Obama's will receive the honorees, members of the Artists Committee who select the nominees, and the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees at the White House before the gala performance taping on Dec. 6.
The Kennedy Center also announced that The Eagles' honor would be postponed and the rock band, famous for hits such as "Take It Easy," "Already Gone," and "Hotel California," would be honored next year due to band member Glenn Frey's health, according to Billboard. The performing arts center also took to Twitter to wish Frey a speedy recovery.
The 38th #KCHonors will be broadcast 12/29 at 9PM, celebrating Carole King, George Lucas, Rita Moreno, Seiji Ozawa, and Cicely Tyson.
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) November 4, 2015
