Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning multi-talented Queen Latifah is set to take on the hosting duties for the highly anticipated 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors. This prestigious event, which will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on December 22, marks a significant milestone in her career. Latifah's nomination for an Academy Award and her recent receipt of the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors place her in a league of her own.

Honorees and Their Impact

This year's honors will be bestowed upon filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the rock band Grateful Dead, blues and rock singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval, and the iconic venue The Apollo. These recipients have each left an indelible mark on American life and culture through their contributions to the performing arts. Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpieces have shaped the way we view movies, while the Grateful Dead's unique musical style has influenced generations. Bonnie Raitt's soulful voice and artistry have touched the hearts of many, and Arturo Sandoval's virtuosity in jazz has earned him worldwide acclaim. The Apollo, as a historic American institution, has provided a platform for countless artists and has become an integral part of American cultural heritage.

The Kennedy Center Honors gala, taking place at Washington's Kennedy Center Opera House on December 8, recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other, and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts, including music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television. Honorees are confirmed by the executive committee of the Center's board of trustees. While the accolades are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement, the selection process has produced balance among various disciplines over the years.

Queen Latifah's Entertainment Journey

Actor/producer/rapper Queen Latifah has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since she was 19. Her extensive credits include Spike Lee's Jungle Fever, Set It Off, and Living Out Loud, opposite Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito. From 1993-1998, she starred in the beloved sitcom Living Single, winning the hearts of viewers. Her performance in 2002's Chicago earned her a Best Supporting Actress nod, and she went on to star in and executive produce the box office hit Bringing Down the House.

Other notable works include the TV musical drama Bessie, for which she won the Emmy for Outstanding TV Movie and received an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie nomination. She has seven Grammy nominations, including one win for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1994, and became the first hip hop artist to be crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Latifah most recently received a National Medal of the Arts from the U.S. government, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

The Production and Team

One of the premiere cultural events of the year in D.C., the gala's broadcast will be produced by Done+Dusted for a third year, in association with ROK Productions. Executive producers David Jammy, Elizabeth Kelly, and Jack Sussman have brought their expertise to ensure a memorable show. The show will be directed by Alex Rudzinski, who will bring his creative vision to life on stage.

With Queen Latifah at the helm and such a talented team behind the scenes, the 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors is set to be a night to remember. It will celebrate the best of American performing arts and pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped our culture.