WASHINGTON (AP) — Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro and comic genius Mel Brooks were in Washington to receive the Kennedy Center Honors, along with jazz pianist-composer Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry.

A surprise list of top performers honoured the group last night in a show attended by President Barack Obama.

The honours recognise individuals who helped define American culture through the arts, part of a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

Some big names were in D.C. for the event. They gathered on Saturday night for a dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Guests included Matthew Morrison from the hit TV show "Glee," Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese and Jon Stewart.

Journalist Barbara Walters turned heads, arriving as actor Frank Langella's date.