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Elizabeth Taylor and James Earl Jones among the "famous five"Washington's political elite rolled out the red carpet for Hollywood celebrities, musicians and Broadway stars to pay tribute to five artistic icons.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor, actor James Earl Jones, singer-songwriter Paul Simon, Broadway musical star Chita Rivera and conductor James Levine were feted at last night's 25th anniversary Kennedy Center Honours.
"Each one of you is known to the American people in a way that runs deeper than fame - you have given us fond memories," President Bush told the five at a White House dinner before the celebration culminated in an evening gala performance and supper dance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performance Arts.
Recipients of the prestigious national arts awards are selected because of their life-long contributions to U.S. culture. To be selected, the artists must have demonstrated years of achievement.
Those honored left even Secretary of State Colin Powell a bit starry-eyed when he admitted he was looking forward to meeting Elizabeth Taylor. John Travolta lauded the actress, telling her he once had a dream about her and "that white dress" she wore in the movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
"You weren't wearing it," he admitted with a grin to the 70-year-old actress, who laughed with delight.
The normally serious diplomat delighted the audience with his own tribute to 69-year-old dancer and actress Chita Rivera, by singing the "I want to be in America," line from "West Side Story," the musical that made her famous.
James Earl Jones, a 71-year-old black actor who broke many colour boundaries, won man awards but may be most widely recognized for providing the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, said he was delighted.
"It's a bit like a graduation - but I feel as if I've moved into another class," he said as he eyed the rainbow-ribbonned gold medal with his name on it. "I wish the Oscars could take a lesson from this."
