US President George W Bush hosted the annual Kennedy Center Honours on Sunday evening, applauding five artistic legends including three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson, famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti and the incomparable Julie Andrews.
“The recipients for 2001 make quite a collection,” said Bush. “This year’s honourees can carry a tune.” Joking, he added: “And then there’s Jack.
“Perhaps it’s a nice change that none of you will be called on to perform. This is an evening for appreciation, for looking back at all you’ve achieved and for the part you continue to play in our national life.”
Wall Street icon Michael Douglas was among those invited to fete the As Good As It Gets star. “Jack, it all comes down to this: You are the screen actor of our generation,” he said.
Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Bo Derek, Carol Burnett and Oprah Winfrey all turned out for the event which also paid tribute to composer-producer Quincy Jones and celebrated pianist Van Cliburn.
Bush’s national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, an accomplished pianist in her own right, praised Cliburn. “At a moment when our nation is again focused on just how much we value freedom, we turn our eyes toward a true American hero,” she said.
Oprah serenaded Quincy, the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and winner of 26 Grammy Awards. “He just seems to walk in the light,” she said. “Whenever anybody’s with him, you feel no shadows.”
“My God – it’s just a high. It’s a profound, profound experience… the crowning moment,” Quincy responded. “I’ve enjoyed every step of the way though, even the rough ones because they help prepare you for the good ones.”
Queen Noor of Jordan, You’ve Got Mail director Nora Ephron and veteran newsman Walter Cronkite were among those in attendance at both the ceremony and the 24th annual gala. An edited version of the programme is set to air on US network CBS later this month.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
