On December 8, 2024, the 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., celebrating the artistic achievements of five remarkable honorees. This year's lineup included filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, legendary rock band the Grateful Dead, blues rock singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval, and the Apollo Theater, recognized as an iconic American institution.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, herself a 2023 honoree, the event was packed with star-studded appearances from the entertainment world. Performers and presenters included notable figures such as Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, and Dave Chappelle, making the ceremony not only celebratory but also deeply personal.
The 2024 ceremony was historic, marking the first time an institution, The Apollo, has been honored among the recipients. The event featured emotional tributes, performances, and heartfelt testimonials from fellow artists who paid homage to this year's influential figures.
Bonnie Raitt was celebrated with stunning musical performances, including Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews covering her song "Angel from Montgomery." Sheryl Crow delivered a touching speech, praising Raitt's impact on her career and her lasting influence on the music industry.
The Grateful Dead, renowned for their contributions to American rock music, were honored with appearances from actors Miles Teller and Chloe Sevigny, alongside talk show host David Letterman, who raised toasts to the band's legacy. The Grateful Dead’s members Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir received heartfelt tributes from fellow artists.
Arturo Sandoval, the Cuban-American jazz musician, was recognized with performances by Trombone Shorty, flamenco dancer Timo Nunez, and pianist Chucho Valdez, who showcased Sandoval's immense talent and cultural influence.
The Apollo Theater’s acknowledgment featured musical acts from The War and Treaty and tap performance by Savion Glover, along with stories shared by comedy legend Dave Chappelle. The celebration highlighted the theater's significant historical and cultural contributions to American arts.
The 47th Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on CBS on December 22, 2024, from 8:30 PM to 11 PM ET, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience the rich tributes and performances from the gala evening. Viewers who wish to stream the event can do so on Paramount Plus, allowing access to the ceremony and additional content from CBS and Showtime.
For those traveling outside the U.S. during the broadcast, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help access the streaming service by masking the user's location. This ensures fans can enjoy the celebration no matter where they are.
The Kennedy Center Honors continues to uphold its mission of recognizing individuals whose artistic contributions shape the cultural fabric of the nation. This year's event stays true to the tradition of celebrating those whose work inspires and entertains audiences across the globe. With each honoree's vast contributions, the gala not only celebrated personal achievements but also enriched the collective legacy of American art.
Be sure to tune in to CBS for the full airing and witness the emotional performances and tributes this landmark event has to offer.
