The annual Kennedy Center Honors recognizes living individuals for a lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts. The honorees accept the gratitude of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes. Seated with President and Mrs. Obama in the presidential box of the opera house at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the recipients at the 39th ceremony are pianist Martha Argerich, rock band the Eagles, actor Al Pacino, singer Mavis Staples and musician James Taylor; Stephen Colbert hosts.
