Paul McCartney, Liz Taylor win Kennedy honours

Kennedy Center Chairman James Johnson called McCartney one of the ‘‘most prolific and influential songwriters of our era,’’ and Taylor, ‘‘a luminous film actress who for nearly 60 years has been a Hollywood icon.’’

Of the other winners he said, ‘‘We honor an actor whose extraordinary range and power have made him an American institution, a brilliant musician who for three decades has led one of the world’s foremost opera companies to unsurpassed artistic excellence.’’

He also said in a statement Rivera, famous for her role of Anita in West Side Story, was a musical theater star of the ‘‘highest magnitude’’.

The Kennedy Center honors, which recognize ‘‘unique and extremely valuable contributions made to the cultural life of our nation,’’ is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The five were nominated by an artists committee that included former Kennedy Center honoree Julie Andrews and other big name Hollywood stars, including actress Meryl Streep.

The honorees will be recognised at a December 8 gala, which will be attended by President George W. Bush, the first lady Laura Bush and a host of celebrities and artists from across the world.

Secretary of State Colin Powell will officially bestow the honors at a State Department dinner the night before the gala.