In a ceremony that marked a significant departure from tradition, former US President Donald Trump personally bestowed the prestigious Kennedy Centre Honours upon a select group of artists, including an unexpected British icon. The event, held in the Oval Office, saw Michael Crawford, famed for his role as Frank Spencer in the classic UK sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, receive the award.
A Dramatic Overhaul of Tradition
The 2025 honours ceremony underwent a radical transformation under Trump's second-term administration. Trump ousted the Kennedy Centre's board and rewrote its programming, aiming to move away from what he termed "woke" content. Crucially, he took direct control of the annual honours, personally selecting the recipients instead of relying on the traditional bipartisan committee.
This year's honourees, chosen by Trump himself, included Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, the flamboyant rock band Kiss, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and country music star George Strait. The inclusion of 83-year-old Michael Crawford, however, raised the most eyebrows for UK audiences, given his status as a beloved figure from 1970s British television and musical theatre.
The British Honouree: From Frank Spencer to The Phantom
Michael Crawford's recognition is a nod to a career spanning both massive popular comedy and high-art musical performance. He shot to fame in the 1970s playing the perpetually unfortunate Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, a show that regularly captivated 25 million UK viewers at its peak.
He later stunned critics and fans alike by originating the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera in London's West End, revealing a powerful, classically trained singing voice. Trump, a noted fan of the musical, reportedly counts Crawford's performance among his favourites.
Controversial Changes to Medals and Ceremony
The ceremony itself was not the only element to see change. The iconic rainbow-ribboned medallion, crafted by a dedicated family of artists for decades, was replaced by a new gold design from Tiffany & Co. The new medal features a gold disc etched with the Kennedy Centre's image on one side and the honouree's name on the reverse, hanging from a navy blue ribbon.
Furthermore, the tradition of a Hollywood star presenting the awards was scrapped. Instead, President Trump conducted the ceremony, placing the medals around the necks of the honourees in the Oval Office on Saturday, 6 December 2025. A formal State Department dinner for the recipients followed later that evening.
During the brief presentation, Trump, clad in a tuxedo, praised the group as "incredible people" who represent the "very best in American arts and culture." He stated, "This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled."
