Washington: President Trump had tapped Tom Cruise as a recipient at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, but has been rejected by the Oscar-nominated actor.
According to The Washington Post, the "Top Gun: Maverick" actor refused the recognition citing "scheduling conflicts".
In his stead, Trump unveiled the 48th cohort of Kennedy Center Honours on Wednesday, featuring the flamboyant rick ensemble Kiss, acclaimed Broadway virtuoso Michael Crawford, country music stalwart George Strait, disco legend Gloria Gaynor and representing cinema, Sylvester Stallone. Stallone's inclusion dovetails with his recent appointment, along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, as one of Trump's “special ambassadors” to Hollywood.
On Wednesday, Trump also announced that he will personally host the ceremony. He noted he always wanted a Kennedy Center award but “was never able to get one … I said, ‘The hell with it, I’ll become chairman and I’ll give myself an honor.’ Next year, we’ll honor Trump, OK?”
Previously, Trump took over the center as chairman, and House Republicans are pushing to rename its opera house after first lady Melania Trump. It remains unclear if this measure will receive a full vote in Congress, or if it would pass, to become law.
The hosting move follows Trump announcing that he was forming a special task force in charge of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with himself appointed chairman, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The Kennedy Center Honours ceremony will take place December 7 and will air on CBS. The Kennedy Center, CBS and a representative for Cruise all declined to comment.