Updated: Dec. 4, 2011 at 11:34 PM

2011 Kennedy Center Honors (30 images)

This year's recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors were musician Yo-Yo Ma, actress Meryl Streep, singer Neil Diamond, jazz great Sonny Rollins and actress Barbara Cook. The Kennedy Center Honors are given annually to salute a select group for their contributions to the performance arts in America.

Actress Emily Blunt and her husband John Krasinski pose for photographers on the red carpet as they arrive at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a gala evening for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honorees, December 4, 2011, in Washington. The Kennedy Center annually salutes a select group for their contributions to the performance arts in America. UPI/Mike Theiler

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Actor Stanley Tucci and his fiance Felicity Blunt pose for photographers on the red carpet as they arrive at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a gala evening for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honorees, December 4, 2011, in Washington. The Kennedy Center annually salutes a select group for their contributions to the performance arts in America. UPI/Mike Theiler

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Singer Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances pose for photographers on the red carpet as they arrive at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a gala evening for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honorees, December 4, 2011, in Washington. The Kennedy Center annually salutes a select group for their contributions to the performance arts in America. UPI/Mike Theiler

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Kathleen Kennedy and family arrive for the premiere of "War Horse" at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York on December 4, 2011. UPI /Laura Cavanaugh

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