Hanks, Tomlin, Sting among Kennedy Center honorees

As usual, the 2014 Kennedy Center Honors will pay homage to the outstanding artistic accomplishments of a quintet of stars from the world of entertainment.

This year’s “class” includes two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks, acclaimed actress and comedian Lily Tomlin, musicians Sting and Al Green and prima ballerina Patricia McBride.

The five honorees will be inducted at the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors Dec. 7 in Washington, D.C. As it has for every year since the awards were launched, CBS will broadcast the event Dec. 30.

The recipients are recognized for their body of work and it’s contribution to American culture as expressed through the performing arts. The honorees are selected by the Center’s Board of Trustees.

Among trustees with Chicago -area connections are media mogul Fred Eychaner and Laura Ricketts, the political activist and philanthropist who is a member of the family who owns the Cubs.