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Kennedy Center Honors 5

American artists recognized for achievement in performing arts

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Dec 2, 2007 12:19 PM CST
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(Newser) – A "California Dreamin'" Beach Boy, the director of a bunch of "Goodfellas," a "wild and crazy" SNL alum, a Motown diva who beseeched us to "Stop! In the Name of Love," and a one-handed pianist all took a bow last night as the 30th batch of Kennedy Center honorees, the AP reports.

A glittering Brian Wilson was rewarded for his "transformation of music", and Martin Scorsese for being a "visionary" filmmaker. Steve Martin was hailed as a "renaissance comic" for his groundbreaking work, and piano legend Leon Fleisher for overcoming his physical handicap. Diana Ross was honored for the "romance" of her voice.

Chairman of the Kennedy Center Stephen Schwarzman and his wife Christin arrive at the State Department dinner, during the Annual Kennedy Center Honors Awards 2007 on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007 in Washington.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Chairman of the Kennedy Center Stephen Schwarzman and his wife Christin arrive at the State Department dinner, during the Annual Kennedy Center Honors Awards 2007 on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007 in Washington.(AP...   (Associated Press)
Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, pianist Leon Fleisher, left, shake hands with film director Martin Scorsese as Diana Ross looks on after dinner at the State Department on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007, in Washington.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, pianist Leon Fleisher, left, shake hands with film director Martin Scorsese as Diana Ross looks on after dinner at the State Department on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007, in...   (Associated Press)
Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, pope singer Diana Ross poses for the official photo after dinner at the State Department on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007, in Washington.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, pope singer Diana Ross poses for the official photo after dinner at the State Department on Saturday Dec. 1, 2007, in Washington.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)   (Associated Press)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice poses for the official photo with the Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, from left, standing, pianist Leon Fleisher, pop singers Diana Ross and Brian Wilson, and from left, humorist Steve Martin and film director Martin Scorsese after dinner at the State Department on Saturday Dec....
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice poses for the official photo with the Kennedy Center Honorees for 2007, from left, standing, pianist Leon Fleisher, pop singers Diana Ross and Brian Wilson, and from...   (Associated Press)
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More on past and present honorees
John F. Kennedy Center for the performing Arts

Martin: a portrait
Washington Post

 
Kennedy Center Honors • Diana Ross • Steve Martin • Brian Wilson • Martin Scorsese • Leon Fleischer

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