2009 Kennedy Center Honors Recognize Dave Brubeck, Mel Brooks, Grace Bumbry, Robert De Niro & Bruce Springsteen

Kennedy Center Honors American Cultural Icons

The 2009 Kennedy Center Honors were hosted by Caroline Kennedy, for the seventh year in a row. This year is the 32nd anniversary of the awards show, which honors the lifetime contributions of performing artists to American culture. The recipients of this year's Kennedy Center Honors are Robert De Niro, Dave Brubeck, Mel Brooks, Grace Bumbry and Bruce Springsteen.

Kennedy Center Honors Robert De Niro

The Kennedy Center Honors' homage to Academy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, producer and director Robert De Niro began with a speech by actress Meryl Streep. She has starred with De Niro in Falling in Love and The Deer Hunter. She referred to De Niro's abilities as the "Gold Standard" and "the work of a master artist."

Director and 2007 Kennedy Center Honoree Martin Scorsese continued with a story on how wonderful it was to direct Robert De Niro. He referred to him a "guide and a life saver."

Other award-winning actors/actresses, who have appeared on-screen with De Niro, also heaped praise upon him. They included Edward Norton, Ben Stiller and Sharon Stone.

Dave Brubeck Receives Kennedy Center Honors

Kennedy Center next recognized pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. Musician Herbie Hancock took the stage and sited Brubeck and his experimental jazz album Time Out as his musical inspiration.

Brubeck was then honored with a musical tribute. This included performances by Christina McBride, Bill Charlap, Jon Faddis, Bill Stewart and Miguel Zenon.

Mel Brooks Also Honored by Musical Tribute

2009 Kennedy Center Honoree Mel Brooks impressive resume was given by actor Carl Reiner. Brooks is an Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award winning actor, writer, composer, director and producer. Reiner has known Brooks for 60 years and worked with him on the show "The 2000 Year Old Man."

Mel Brooks was then treated to a musical tribute of songs from his prolific career. Performers included actor Frank Langella, actor Martin Short, actor Jack Black, actor and singer harry Connick Jr. and Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski.