Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell named 2026 Kennedy Center honorees

The 49th Kennedy Center Honors will be held Dec. 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, the first time the ceremony moves there, because the Kennedy Center building is closed, according to the reports. No host or broadcast partner has been announced; CBS, which aired the event since 1978, saw its rights expire in 2025, Variety reported.

"We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences," President Donald Trump, the center's chairman, said in a statement. Variety noted that honorees are usually announced between July and September.

Why it matters: The announcement comes as the center remains at the center of court fights over its name and a planned renovation.