The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will acknowledge the accomplishments of Robert DeNiro, Bruce Springsteen, and Mel Brooks by presenting the entertainers with the esteemed Kennedy Center Honors.

Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman describes the honorees as "five extraordinary individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world."

Since 1978, the organization annually recognizes a select group of individuals from various professions. This latest inductee class will join personalities such as Morgan Freeman, Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg, and Elizabeth Taylor, who have each been recognized in recent years.

The President and First Lady will host the honorees at the White House prior to the gala. Medallions will be presented to the honorees on the eve of the gala during a State Department dinner that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host.

The December 6 event will also acknowledge the distinguished careers of Dave Brubeck and Grace Bumbry. The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast December 29 on CBS in a two-hour special.