Tom Hanks, Sting among Kennedy Center honors nominees

PanARMENIAN.Net - Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and musician Sting are among the cultural figures to be awarded this year's Kennedy Center honors, BBC News reports.

Singer Al Green, actress Lily Tomlin and ballet dancer Patricia McBride will also receive the decorations at a White House reception on Dec 7. The movie star said the honor added to being "a fortunate man, in that I love the work I do".

Figures who have influenced U.S. culture through the arts are awarded annually.

He told the BBC: "It was very unexpected. I'm thrilled. I'm only the 18th British person to receive it, along with Cary Grant and Julie Andrews. I'm definitely the first Geordie ever to get it."

Green, one of the defining voices of Memphis soul, said that his career had been "a funny voyage", while Tomlin, whose screen credits include 9 to 5 and The West Wing, said she was "astounded" to find out that she will be honored.

McBride, now 72, became the New York City Ballet's youngest principal dancer at the age of 18, a position she held for 28 years.

Kennedy Center chairman David M Rubenstein said the honors “celebrate five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world.”

“Al Green's iconic voice stirs our souls in a style that is all his own; Tom Hanks has a versatility that ranks him among the greatest actors of any generation. One of the world's greatest ballerinas, Patricia McBride, continues to carry forward her legacy for future generations; Sting's unique voice and memorable songwriting have entertained audiences for decades. And from the days of her early television and theatrical appearances, Lily Tomlin has made us laugh and continues to amaze us with her acting talent and quick wit," he added.

The five award-winners will be received by President and Mrs Obama before a star-studded gala, which will be subsequently broadcast on U.S. television. .