Kennedy Center Honors Springsteen, De Niro and Brooks

Courtesy of INFDaily.com

The Boss gets recognized.

Some of the most celebrated actors and musicians, including rock legend Bruce Springsteen and Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, were honored this weekend at the Kennedy Center Honors in recognition for their lifetime contributions to the arts.

At a gala hosted by President Barack Obama on sunday night, Springsteen, De Niro, jazz legend Dave Brubeck, director and comedian Mel Brooks and opera singer Grace Bumbry were all honored by guest speakers. In the audience were 300 of biggest names in both Hollywood and Washington.

Introducing Springsteen was Daily Show host Jon Stewart, who recalled the story of how the music legend was abandoned on the side of a New Jersey turnpike by his parents, Bob Dylan and James Brown.

Praise was also heaped on comedy genius Mel Brooks, whose films have become standards among future generations. Jack Black was on hand to give Brooks a rendition of his song "Men in Tights," and President Obama told a story about sneaking in to see Blazing Saddles.

Among the other presenters was Aretha Franklin, who praised African American opera singer Grace Bumbry for breaking down racial barriers in the '60s.

Most importantly, the ceremony honored all of the artists for their achievements and contributions to the American culture. According to President Obama, they represent the best of our society.

"These performers are indeed the best," Obama said. "They are also living reminders of a single truth — and I'm going to steal a line from Michelle here — the arts are not somehow apart from our national life, the arts are the heart of our national life."

The Kennedy Center Honors will air Dec. 29 on CBS.