Hollywood A-lister Tom Hanks, soul-singing legend Al Green, rock star Sting, comedian and actress Lily Tomlin, and ballerina Patricia McBride were recognized Sunday with Kennedy Center Honors, bestowed by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With Stephen Colbert serving as host, the gala event at the Kennedy Center Opera House, attended by President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, became a night of tributes and performances. Audacious ballet duets honoring McBride, who was for 28 years principal dancer and George Balanchine’s muse at New York City Ballet, were mixed with showstoppers such as Mavis Staples and Sam Moore’s rendition of “Take Me to the River,” which Al Green co-wrote. At the White House before the gala, Obama lauded the honorees’ contributions to American culture. The 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast Dec. 30 on CBS.
