US President Barack Obama is to present Sir Paul McCartney with the 33rd annual Kennedy Center Award at a ceremony at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December.
McCartney receives the accolade for his ‘outstanding contribution to American culture’ and a host of special guests are set to honour the former Beatles legend at the event on December 5th.
Commenting on his award, McCartney spoke of his honour at being chosen due to his admiration for former President Kennedy. “President Kennedy was such an icon for us in the ’60s and his presidency was so inspiring for so many people that it is a great pleasure for this kid from Liverpool to receive this honour,” he said.
The prize for those in the performing arts was founded by George Stevens Jr. and Nick Vanoff in 1978, with the first winners that year including Fred Astaire and legendary pianist Arthur Rubinstein. Since then, the likes of Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan have all been recognised.