Kennedy Center honors include part-time Chicagoan George Lucas

As is usually the case, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announcement Wednesday of its honorees for 2015 covers a wide and diverse spectrum of artistic genres. This year’s recipients range from “Star Wars” creator George Lucas to classical music conductor Seiji Ozawa to 90-year-old acting legend Cicely Tyson.

The group of six Kennedy Center honorees also includes another groundbreaking actress, Rita Moreno; singer and songwriter Carole King and the Eagles rock band.

As always, the awards will pay tribute to the six individuals’ contributions and influence on American culture through the arts. The gala performance at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 6 in Washington, D.C., will be broadcast on Dec. 29 on CBS.

Lucas, 71, has become a part-time Chicagoan following his marriage to financial executive Mellody Hobson. In addition, he is working to establish a new museum of narrative art along the lakefront adjacent to Soldier Field. Despite some opposition to the project, Lucas has said he is hopeful construction can begin by next year.

Ozawa, 79, was the first music director at Ravinia in Highland Park, a position he held from 1964 to 1971.