By Ben Nuckols
WASHINGTON (AP) --Stephen Colbert will return to host the Kennedy Center Honors for the third year in a row.
The Kennedy Center announced Monday that the host of CBS' "Late Show" will emcee the 39th annual gala in Washington. It will be held on Dec. 4 and broadcast Dec. 27 on CBS.
Recipients of this year's honors are actor Al Pacino, rock band the Eagles, pianist Martha Argerich, gospel singer Mavis Staples and singer-songwriter James Taylor.
The Kennedy Center Honors go to those who influence American culture through the arts. They are among the nation's most prestigious awards for performing artists.
The gala will be produced for the second straight year by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment, the longtime producers of the Tony Awards.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
Read More