WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - With the notable absence of President Donald Trump, the Kennedy Center on Sunday (Dec 3) celebrated singers Lionel Richie and Gloria Estefan, rapper LL Cool J, television producer Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade with honours for the arts.
The awards, known as the Kennedy Center Honors, are considered the top recognition in the country for artists across a variety of fields, and the annual event's importance is usually highlighted by a White House reception with the president and the first lady.
Not this year.
The White House said in August that Trump and his wife, Melania, would not attend the performance so that honorees could enjoy it "without any political distraction." The White House reception was also cancelled after some of the honourees said they would boycott it.
A subtle undercurrent of displeasure with Trump, a Republican who entered office in January, and his policies underlined a reception at the State Department on Saturday night ahead of the awards show.
"Art transcends borders, cultures, politics," actress Julie Andrews said. "This event gives us an opportunity to step away from divisive discourse and appreciate excellence in art that has been created for everyone."
All of the recipients expressed joy over receiving the awards.
"I've never been more inspired," Hip Hop artist and actor LL Cool J, 49, who stars in the television show NCIS Los Angeles told Reuters. "It's a reminder that art matters." He said Trump's presence would have been a distraction.
Singer and songwriter Richie, known for hits such as Three Times a Lady, Say You, Say Me, and All Night Long, said he was proud. "Never thought in my life I'd lose my voice talking too much about how excited I am about being here," Richie said.
Singer and songwriter Estefan, 60, who was born in Havana, Cuba, said she was thankful Trump chose not to attend. "Whenever something becomes more about the controversy than the actual achievements of the people that are receiving the award, it kinda dampens it for everybody."
De Lavallade, 86, an actress and dancer, said: "I'm just most proud that I've reached this far."
Television producer and writer Lear, 95, who is famous for producing the hit comedy All in the Family as well as Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, said it felt great to become a Kennedy Center honouree.
"It probably feels the same as it might have felt at 80. Everything else does," he quipped. Lear said he was not upset that Trump chose not to attend. "It wasn't a hand I needed to shake."
