The Annual Kennedy Center Honors (CBS) - General Discussion

[Inquisitionist]

every year it seems that there has to be a tribute involving the military no matter how loosely linked it might be.  Hanks was apparently that guy this time around.  

 

Apparently, the KC Honors going forward are going to be all military/all the time.

 

And now it turns out that the Kennedy Center under David Rubenstein is launching something new next month: The Lincoln Awards. It’s to honor people who’ve supported the military. Bruce Springsteen is the only celebrity getting the award. But there are tons scheduled to perform. So as I said before, get ready, because tonight may be the last Kennedy Center Honors as we knew them.

 

I think my friends IN the military would prefer we honor them in other ways...

[kib]

 

It didn't sounds like Garrison Keillor narrating the filmed Tomlin tribute.  It may have been him, but it didn't sound like him.  And if it wasn't him. why wasn't it?

I believe you're right, it sure didn't sound like him.  Maybe he doesn't do voice work???? :)

 

EDIT: Mr. Keillor most certainly does voice work besides my obvious attempt to be funny about his Prairie Home Companion gig.  Exhibit A: Those wonderful Honda commercials, of which, this might be the best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yylNWKoifgk

Edited January 3, 2015 by kib

[Princess Sparkle]

Good show, but I probably would have ended with Every Breath You Take over Message in a Bottle.  I was impressed with Bruno Mars and Esperanza Spalding in particular.  Can someone tell me what Bruce Springsteen sang?  I didn't recognize that one.

 

EDIT: Also, were all those people who joined the stage in the end part of the The Last Ship cast?  

He sang "I Hung My Head", which I'm pretty sure is a song Johnny Cash also covered at some point as well.  And yes, the people at the end were members of The Last Ship.

[sugarbaker design]

I also noticed the closing monologue is exactly the same every year. Why doesn't Caroline Kennedy host anymore?

 

 

I don't know if this is the reason but I have noticed CK hasn't hosted since she became the US ambassador to Japan.

[designing1]

This year's honorees have been announced: George Lucas, Carole King, The Eagles, Rita Moreno, Cicely Tyson, and conductor Seiji Ozawa. The awards will be held December 6 and broadcast on CBS on December 29.

 

I'm shocked that Rita and Cicely, at the very least, haven't already been honored.

Edited July 16, 2015 by designing1

[jah1986]

Was just coming to see if anyone had posted. I'm very excited about this years batch of honorees. I agree about finding it hard to believe it took this long to honor Moreno and Tyson but so glad they are finally getting that recognition. I know George Lucas gets a lot of flak for the choices he made with Star Wars but I always felt he never got the respect he deserved IMO so I'm glad to see this happening for him. I wonder if they'll tap Spielberg to do his introduction. I hope I don't forget to catch this when it comes on.

[A Boston Gal]

Am I wrong, or is it usually five honorees per year, not six (counting The Eagles as one)?

[Inquisitionist]

Yes, 5 honorees is the long-time tradition.  (The) Eagles?  Really?  But yay for Carole King!

[designing1]

Yes, it is usually five, the exception being times they've honored husband and wife teams where each has their own career (Newman & Woodward, Tandy & Cronyn.) I wonder why it's six this year -- and I agree with Inquisitionist that the inclusion of The Eagles made me scratch my head. 

[Ohwell]

I don't know if The Eagles were deserving of the nomination or not because I don't know the nomination criteria.  All I know is that I love their music and I can't wait to find out who will be performing their music.  I hope they do them justice. 

[designing1]

Here's the press release that gives the criteria. I guess The Eagles qualify as much as anyone based on endurance. They lose me at "extraordinary and unparalleled talents of individuals whose impact and genius have left an indelible mark on civilization", but then again, that's a tall order to fill. For the record, I like The Eagles. In terms of meeting those criteria, I'd put them in the league of honoree Perry Como: pleasant and enjoyable, enduring to a degree (has Como retained a following like contemporaries Sinatra and Bennett? Will The Eagles?) but perhaps not unparalleled geniuses leaving indelible marks.

 

Worth noting in the press release: There's an opportunity to win two tickets to the ceremony. See their Facebook page to enter.

[AimingforYoko]

Are Frey and Henley going to let Don Felder attend?

[Slade347]

Are Frey and Henley going to let Don Felder attend?

From what I understand, it's just going to be the current members (Frey, Henley, Walsh and Schmit). I'll admit that documentary that aired on Showtime a year or two back did make me appreciate their music more. It also made me realize that amazingly enough Henley wasn't actually the biggest asshole in the band. He and Frey are quite the pair.

[DollEyes]

Given that George Lucas is one of the honorees-and just in time for The Force Awakens- I can see him, his fellow recipients and President & Mrs. Obama being escorted in by Storm Troopers in bow ties, protected by the Imperial Red Guard, the Cantina band replacing the orchestra and  Yoda, Darth Vader, C-3PO & R2-D2 in the audience.

Edited July 17, 2015 by DollEyes

[HelenBaby]

As a baby boomer, I have to say that The Eagles were pretty important in the 70's, culminating in the album Hotel California. So yeah they're deserving of the honor.

I thought when George Stevens Jr. was fired that they'd pick younger & more high profile honorees, but this seems like a good group.

[bosawks]

Sigh, again no Bernadette.........

[annzeepark914]

I'm not a fan of Carole King's singing voice but I grew up with her music (covered by other artists).  At least others with better voices will be performing her works of art ;>)  The selection of The Eagles says a lot about what this program is turning into (the Washington Post did an article about this recently...lots of fans of the KC Honors program are concerned).

[jah1986]

http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/carole-king-george-lucas-cicely-tyson-feted-kennedy-center-honors-n475246

 

So I guess The Eagles weren't honored this year? Still looks like it's going to be a great show.

[BW Manilowe]

http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/carole-king-george-lucas-cicely-tyson-feted-kennedy-center-honors-n475246

So I guess The Eagles weren't honored this year? Still looks like it's going to be a great show.

The Eagles were definitely named as being among this year's honorees, so we weren't mistaken on that. I read elsewhere that they asked to have their Honors presented next year instead, because of an unnamed health issue with an unnamed band member which prevented their participation this year. Even so, the same source--whatever it was--also said there was still at least a small recognition of them during last night's gala. Miranda Lambert (the ex-Mrs. Blake Shelton) sang their hit Desperado. Whether or not it remains in the televised version of the gala, since The Eagles weren't actually honored this year, remains to be seen.

[Inquisitionist]

I don't have time to do the research, but I'm guessing there haven't been many years when women outnumbered men receiving Kennedy Center Honors.

 

There's a lot of editing involved, so I'd be surprised if any nod to the Eagles remains, especially if they're pretty much confirmed for next year.  Paul McCartney also declined the first year that the KC contacted him because he had a previous family commitment on the day of the ceremony. 

[Ohwell]

I look forward to seeing this every year.  I'm sorry that the Eagles can't make it this year but Miranda Lambert should do a good job with Desperado.

 

I never thought Carole King could sing that well, but she wrote some great songs.  

[Slade347]

The Eagles had to drop out of their appearance this year due to Glenn Frey having intestinal surgery . They'll be rewarded next year instead.

[A Boston Gal]

The Eagles had to drop out of their appearance this year due to Glenn Frey having intestinal surgery . They'll be rewarded next year instead.

If they hadn't already chosen six individuals/acts, I wonder if they would have gone with only four honorees or would have named an other person when the Eagles had to postpone.  A good argument for annoucing six winners, I suppose, if you don't mind following through with six award presentations.

 

IMO, the show is a bit rushed as it is, and I'm sure lots of good stuff is edited out to make it fit into 2 hours of commercial television. I can only imagine how much would get cut with six different sets of performances, instead of five.

 

I wish CBS would just give the show 2 and a half hours, but I know I'm dreaming. :(

[BW Manilowe]

If they hadn't already chosen six individuals/acts, I wonder if they would have gone with only four honorees or would have named an other person when the Eagles had to postpone. A good argument for annoucing six winners, I suppose, if you don't mind following through with six award presentations.

IMO, the show is a bit rushed as it is, and I'm sure lots of good stuff is edited out to make it fit into 2 hours of commercial television. I can only imagine how much would get cut with six different sets of performances, instead of five.

I wish CBS would just give the show 2 and a half hours, but I know I'm dreaming. :(

I don't think they "replaced" Sir Paul McCartney the first time he was selected (he postponed because of a family engagement that was scheduled for KCH weekend that year long before he was selected--then it took longer than just the following year for him to finally get his Honor). Nor did they "replace" The Eagles this year. I think, as long as they have 5 Honorees they're good with that because the tributes to even 5 are long enough to fill the allotted air time CBS gives them & then some. I've definitely read that the gala actually goes longer than 2 hours & there are things which get cut for lack of air time.

I wish CBS would also give them 2 1/2, or even all 3, hours of air time on the night of the broadcast too. If they can do it for other awards shows--I'm almost positive they do it for The Grammys--why not this 1? Then maybe they wouldn't have to cut so much out.

[Inquisitionist]

I don't think they "replaced" Sir Paul McCartney the first time he was selected (he postponed because of a family engagement that was scheduled for KCH weekend that year long before he was selected--then it took longer than just the following year for him to finally get his Honor).

 

Perhaps Sir Paul wasn't "replaced" in 2002, but I find it little hard to believe that the original intention was to honor both him and Paul Simon in the same year.

 

Also, in all previous years, the KCH have always had exactly 5 recipients, where a linked couple or a group is considered to be one recipient.  Complete list here.

[Inquisitionist]

Reminder that this program airs tonight on CBS!

[ebk57]

So far, the only thing that says "new producers" to me is the overhead shot of the house.  And it's not having the "wow" effect on me that I think they're going for.  It just makes me dizzy.

 

The Rita Moreno tribute was fabulous.

[chitowngirl]

This seems to be lacking "energy". Usually the room seems so electric and you can feel everyone's excitement. Everything so far seems "flat".

[Rickster]

What was the point of having George's wife make the little speech from the balcony? Has that happened before?

[ebk57]

What was the point of having George's wife make the little speech from the balcony? Has that happened before?

It has not.  It had all the markings of New Producers trying Something New.

 

Love Viola Davis's dress

[chitowngirl]

I do like seeing the clips from the ceremony with President Obama presenting the awards.

[BW Manilowe]

So far, the only thing that says "new producers" to me is the overhead shot of the house. And it's not having the "wow" effect on me that I think they're going for. It just makes me dizzy.

The Rita Moreno tribute was fabulous.

Something else new is the little clips, at the commercial breaks, from the White House reception for the honorees, where President Obama says something about 1 of the honorees.

I'm a little surprised they actually mentioned The Eagles were also to be honored this year, but postponed until next year because of health issues involving Glenn Frey (if I remember right, he underwent intestinal surgery shortly before the ceremony was to be held); I'm equally surprised they still included Miranda Lambert (the recently ex-Mrs. Blake Shelton)'s performance of their hit Desperado.

Other than that, I'm enjoying the show. I particularly liked the R2-D2 & C3-PO snarking each other bit from the George Lucas tribute (I've had a soft spot for those 2 droids & their snarky banter since the original Star Wars movie came out when I was in Junior High School--either 8th or 9th grade, depending on the release date).

chitowngirl: Unless they changed something this year, the President doesn't present the Honorees with their Honors. The KCH ceremonies run over a whole weekend (at least Saturday & Sunday, if not also part of Friday) & the Honorees actually get the ribbon necklace emblematic of being an Honoree at a dinner on Saturday night of that weekend, held at the State Department & hosted by the current Secretary of State. So they already have their Honors by the time they get to the White House reception in their honor with the First Couple. The White House ceremony is held on Sunday afternoon/Sunday evening of the weekend, prior to the gala in tribute to the year's Honorees at the Kennedy Center's Opera House which becomes the TV special aired every year on CBS between Christmas & New Year's Eve.

This year, President Obama attended the White House reception for the Honorees before the gala, but he missed the first half of the gala itself to make a nationally-televised speech on terrorism (the date of the gala was shortly after the San Bernardino shootings, which were deemed to be a terrorist attack). After making the speech, he attended the second half of the gala.

Edited December 30, 2015 by BW Manilowe

[ebk57]

Cicely Tyson seems like she's so happy to be there.  She's so engaged. It's a beautiful thing.

Agree with chitowngirl and BW Manilowe - I do like the clips of the White House ceremony.

[chitowngirl]

Carole King looks so touched that everyone came out to honor her!  

 

Only Aretha would/could come out with a clutch purse and a fur!!!

Edited December 30, 2015 by chitowngirl

[AimingforYoko]

Aretha kind of saved the show. Heh, Carole looked so shocked when Aretha went Aretha. I guess she does look kinda not well, but that voice ain't goin' anywhere. I hated Carole King for a good long while. But that's only because my younger sister played Tapestry day after day after day....

Damn, Cicely Tyson is 91. I guess she actually wants to make it to Jane Pittman's age.

[ebk57]

As engaged as Cicely Tyson was, Carole King was totally into the whole show!  That was lovely.  And Aretha is a force of nature! She seems a million times better than the last time I saw her perform.

Edited December 30, 2015 by ebk57

[tom87]

Aretha stole the show easily.

 

I thought the Rita's part sadly was pretty weak actually.   Gina was sweet and Lin - Manual Miranda can do no wrong but the performance of America was meh.

 

So why did Viola get to sit the VIP box while Kerri Washington was on the floor? 

 

 

Also will always love Yo-Yo Ma.

Edited December 30, 2015 by tom87

[Mumbles]

I had forgotten that there were new producers and was just about to come here to ask whether there had been, but you guys are on top of it. And, the reason I was curious is that I noticed a lower production value. I used to love the opening credits of this show - the old clips culminating with an ebullient Bernstein - and was sad that they were gone. Then with the Moreno segment, I thought they should have gone with someone more established in the field than Gina Rodriguez to open the tribute piece. And it kind of annoys me when people honor another person by emphasizing how important the honoree was to them, personally. It just screams me-me-me (to me, heh.)

Then the closing bit - "I Feel The Earth Move" being sung while C3PO and storm troopers dance awkwardly - seemed like a fever dream. A cheesy fever dream.

And I think it should be hosted by someone with more gravitas. And I say that as someone who likes Colbert and is rooting for his show to succeed.

That said, wonderful honorees who all seemed so moved to be there. I wish the mix had included a dancer, because I don't feel it is given enough attention as a genre and a lot of what I know about dance came from watching this program and then researching the honorees.

[Amethyst]

Viola Davis was so adorable during the Carole King tribute.  You could see her dancing!  Loved her dress, btw.

 

I understand why the Eagles weren't inducted this year, but I thought they could have skipped Miranda Lambert's performance.  Colbert's announcement was enough, imo.  Going through with the performance was a nice gesture but unnecessary.

 

Loved Aretha showing up and basically taking everyone to church.  King had the best tribute imo, from the great performances of the Broadway actors, Janelle Monae and Sara Bareilles doing a lovely job to Aretha concluding the night.  

 

I thought they kind of skimped on Ozawa.  Did they do two songs?  It seemed pretty short.

 

Wasn't thrilled with what they did with Lucas (felt all over the place) but I know that actors and directors are usually the trickiest ones to do.  I remember Tom Hanks' tribute basically being one big celebration of America, not just the actor.  That said, they did a good job with Rita Moreno's and Cecily Tyson's.

[pennben]

The joy that Cicely Tyson showed when the kids from her school were announced, and her emotion as she sang along with them, was a highlight for me.

[Actionmage]

I enjoyed the show for the most part.  I get having newer folks try to show how the honorees have paid forward for their breaks and blessings. I was a little disappointed in the seeming shortness of Mssrs. Lucas and Ozawa's segments.

 

I love the Star Wars franchise, but I cringed when R2D2 and C-3PO were brought out- twice! I understand that Star Wars was his biggest, far-reaching achievement, but he isn't just SW.  As for the music segment? Since it was emphasized that his scores  were like characters themselves, why go with the oft-heard, main themes from two movies and The Imperial March? Why not "Leia's Theme"? When showing the Obi Wan/ Darth Maul fight, why not" Duel of the Fates"?  When showing Indiana Jones stuff, why not "Marion's Theme"? Something related to characters?  

 

I would have loved hearing some of the questions Mr. Ozawa took from the What's My Line? panel. I watch the reruns on the channel Buzzr, so I will be waiting for his episode to pop up some night now!  The piece Yo Yo Ma and the ensemble played was lovely.  I loved seeing  the maestro with visor and cheroot playing the typewriter in that one clip, as well! He was all in.

 

Also, Ms. King fangirling over who came out for her was wonderful. It did seem like everyone joined Aretha in singling "Natural Woman" and it was marvelous from fur-and-clutch top to bottom.

Edited December 30, 2015 by Actionmage

[Rickster]

I'm pretty sure that having engaged Miranda Lambert for the tribute, they kept her in order to get whatever ratings boost they could from country music fans.

[Crisopera]

When I was in the chorus of the Paris Opera, Ozawa was supposed to come and conduct Boris Godunov, but had to drop out for back surgery.  I was completely crushed.

 

ARETHA!  As always, completely amazing.  She and James Taylor sounded like they were twenty years old again. 

 

I thought Gina Rodriguez was very touching.

 

Very, very hard to believe that Cicely Tyson is 91 years old; Tyler Perry was less annoying than usual.  "Blessed Assurance" was gorgeous.

 

"Desperado" is a great song, and Miranda Lambert did it full justice.

 

"Andante Cantabile" was stunning - Yo Yo Ma just has the most beautiful sound.

 

Carole King - thought the music was great, but the framing stuff from the musical was cheesy in the extreme.

 

Thought the show was better than last year's and loved Stephen Colbert - hope he hosts again next year.

[betsyboo]

 I used to love the opening credits of this show - the old clips culminating with an ebullient Bernstein - and was sad that they were gone. 

This is always my favorite part, too! The year they replaced Jimmy Stewart with someone newer made me weep.

 

I loved all of it. Every cheesy, self-gratifying, ridiculous, tears-inducing minute of it. This is my favorite tv show to watch all year, hands down. (And i watch a lot of TV.) I pretty much strong arm my co-workers to watch, and if they don't then they are treated to a complete rundown the next day, complete with show clips. Seriously, the only thing on my bucket list is to attend this event one day (preferably when Audra is honored.)

 

Gina Rodriguez was lovely. I want to put her in my pocket. Future EGOT LinManuel was spectacular also - they both made me choke up. Rita is the bomb - the only true living EGOT (she and Helen Hayes, I think) are only EGOTs with all 3 acting honors. No disrespect to Whoopi, Marvin Hamlisch or Bobby Lopez. (Babs is technically an EGOT but she got an "honorary" Oscar.) I like Karen Olivo, so I enjoyed the performance. Not gonna lie tho - I have no shame when it comes to this event, so I probably would have said Sofia Vergara talk-singing through I Feel Pretty was good. :-)) I *may have stood up in my living room and clapped when it was over....

 

I'm hoping, as many of you stated, that the Seiji and Lucas tributes were longer during the event itself but just edited out for time. Someday when I win the lottery, my first purchase will be to have an assistant go to the Museum of Radio and Television and buy (if possible - but hey - I'm rich, so appease me!) an unedited recording of every honors ever. I want to rewatch Bob Hope and JImmy Stewart and Johnny Carson with the band. I want to rewatch Dave Brubeck see the curtain reveal his sons playing for him and see him go "OH SHIT!" I want to watch Charlotte D'Amboise (I am sure I butchered that spelling) dance for her father.

 

Cecily. Well shit. I don't look that good NOW. 

 

I was selfishly sad that the Gilmore song didn't make the cut.

 

Hmmm. In re-reading this, I guess it's pretty clear I am an unabashed fan!! No matter the President or honoree. Although, I will say when Clinton was in office, I always laughed when they showed the box because he would be grooving and singing along and clapping with a big smile on his face and Hillary had a puss on and looked like she would rather be anywhere else. At least the Obamas looked like they were having a ball.

 

ETA: ARETHA! GodDAMN. wow.

Edited December 30, 2015 by betsyboo

[Good Queen Jane]

What was the point of having George's wife make the little speech from the balcony? Has that happened before?

 

Wasn't there an honoree a few years ago whose wife snuck out of the box and went on stage as a surprise to introduce her husband's segment? (bestyboo probably knows if I am remembering right.)

[Inquisitionist]

After reminding you all about the broadcast, I forgot to record it!  Oh, well, I'm sure clips will show up on youtube before long.

[jah1986]

After reminding you all about the broadcast, I forgot to record it!  Oh, well, I'm sure clips will show up on youtube before long.

It looks like the entire broadcast is on CBS.com.

[lovett1979]

The whole show is available on CBS.com.

[HelenBaby]

Wasn't there an honoree a few years ago whose wife snuck out of the box and went on stage as a surprise to introduce her husband's segment? (bestyboo probably knows if I am remembering right.)

Laura Bush did the tribute to George Jones when he got his KCH. I may have missed one or two tributes through the years but that's the only time I remember someone from the honorees section appear on stage.

I haven't gotten to watch yet because someone in my house just had to sleep through the LSU game. Heaven forbid I change the channel while he's listening with his eyes closed & snoring.

[betsyboo]

Wasn't there an honoree a few years ago whose wife snuck out of the box and went on stage as a surprise to introduce her husband's segment? (bestyboo probably knows if I am remembering right.)

 

 

Laura Bush did the tribute to George Jones when he got his KCH. I may have missed one or two tributes through the years but that's the only time I remember someone from the honorees section appear on stage.

 

That's all I'm remembering too. I do agree it was weird to have her up in the box. Also, when Spielberg came out to talk, I admit a moment of "Hmmm....How did SS get it so long before GL??" 

 

I just went to look it up to confirm - I do think that's who it had to be. One of my friends (not a usual watcher) wanted to know why Carole King kept turning around - "Why did they seat her next to Michelle Obama instead of her daughter?!?!?" I had to explain that's how it's always been done so the honorees get front billing, but it always ends in awkward shoulder grasping!

 

See- I keep finding more things to talk about. Blessed Assurance was beautiful -- I liked that they showed all the stars in the audience weeping, too. (Made me feel better about my tears!). I enjoy so much every year the people who are chosen to speak to the honorees (even if sometimes they don't make sense to me). This year didn't disappoint in terms of all of them being so moved to recognize someone who means so much to them. I still laugh at the Steve Carrell opening for Steve Martin (If you haven't seen it, google it)

 

I miss George Stevens. :-((