Sylvester Stallone to Receive Kennedy Center Honors 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the list of artists and entertainers who will receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2025. Among them is world-renowned film star Sylvester Stallone.

In addition to Stallone—famous for blockbuster films such as Rocky and Rambo—other honorees include stage actor Michael Crawford, country music legend George Strait, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and the rock band KISS.

The annual ceremony is organized by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and was first launched in 1978. Its purpose is to honor individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of the arts and culture, including cinema, music, dance, theater, and live performance. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the American arts industry.

President Trump, who announced that he will personally preside over the ceremony, said he wants to make it a major occasion to showcase American artistic talent, as part of the celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Since returning to office, Trump has made significant changes to the Kennedy Center, including dismissing several top executives and appointing loyal allies. These changes have led some artists and cultural figures to boycott the institution’s events, including members of the Hamilton musical production, who argue they will not support programs that undermine artistic freedom.

Sylvester Stallone, who recently appeared in the new film Alarum, is known as a strong supporter of Trump. In the past, he has compared the president to George Washington, the first U.S. president, and praised his recent election victory.

The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded annually to prominent figures in entertainment and the arts, recognizing their role in advancing American culture and promoting it on a global scale.