It is that time of the year again where the Kennedy Center honors a small group of individuals across a variety of entertainment platforms for their years of service and brilliant contributions to culture. The committee has chosen their 2014 inductees, and the choices are interesting to say the least

The epitome of soul, Al Green, is set to be honored. Green has been performing for nearly half a century, and has influenced the world of music. He is no stranger to being honored, as he was named the 66th greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone.

Hollywood legend Tom Hanks is being honored for his film work. Hanks has won two Academy Awards, six Emmys and four Golden Globes. Being one of the world’s most beloved and respected actors, it is no surprise that Hanks is being honored for years of brilliant performances and his major contributions to cinema.

Another acting legend, Lily Tomlin, has been tapped to receive the honor as well. Tomlin is a comedy legend, having won several Emmys, two Tonys and a Grammy. She is missing the elusive Academy Award to complete her transition to becoming one of the few people to have EGOT status.

Patricia McBride, the most obscure name on the list, is a critically acclaimed and legendary ballerina. Her career began in the late 1950s, and she spent three decades dancing for the New York City Ballet. The Kennedy Center Honors are notable by not only choosing popular, well-known performers from film, television and music, but also honoring more abstract performers who haven’t contributed any less to culture and entertainment than well-known performers.

The final honoree is music icon Sting. Sting is best known for fronting the influential British band The Police, and for his solo career. He has also tried his hand at the Great White Way, with The Last Ship, a musical he composed about his childhood growing up near a shipyard, is currently set for Broadway.

The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on December 30th on PBS.

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