In this Sept. 24, 2010 file photo, comedian Stephen Colbert prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts says Colbert will host this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, bringing a new touch to the annual awards show. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
By Brett Zongker
WASHINGTON (AP) --
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts says Stephen Colbert will host this year's Kennedy Center Honors, bringing a new touch to the annual awards show.
The center announced Wednesday that Colbert will host the program on Dec. 7. It will be broadcast Dec. 30 on CBS. Colbert will succeed David Letterman on CBS' "Late Show" in 2015.
This year's Kennedy Center honorees are Tom Hanks, Sting, Al Green, comedian Lily Tomlin and ballerina Patricia McBride.
Colbert joked that he was he stunned to receive the honor at such a young age. Then he corrected himself, saying it makes more sense for him to host the show rather than receive the award.
Walter Cronkite hosted for more than 20 years, followed by Caroline Kennedy. Glenn Close hosted last year.
Indian film directors Shyam Benegal, right, is seen during a discussion on Indian Cinema in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)
Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for pioneering a new wave cinema movement that tackled social issues in the 1970s, has died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. He was 90.
His contribution to cinema was recognized as a director, editor and screenwriter. He was also credited with a new genre of filmmaking.
Benegal passed away on Monday at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing his daughter Piya.
"Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," Piya said.
Many paid tribute to the legendary filmmaker on social media platform X.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal told stories without pretense. "They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction."
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
He was a mentor to top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri who made their mark in Bollywood's popular cinema as well.
"I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say," posted Naseeruddin Shah.
"Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.
Benegal came into the limelight in the 1970s, with a series of films that challenged mainstream Bollywood. His films Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977)... Read More
