Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond honoured

US: Actress Meryl Streep will add another honor to her illustrious career as one of the five artists recognized by the Kennedy Center for their contribution to U.S. culture.

Streep will join cellist Yo-Yo Ma, singer and songwriter Neil Diamond, Broadway singer and actress Barbara Cook and saxophonist Sonny Rollins as 2011 Kennedy Center honorees, the performing arts organization said on Wednesday.

President Barack Obama will salute the five, and other stars will perform in their honor at a ceremony to be broadcast on CBS television on December 27.

Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein said the five honorees were extraordinary people "whose collective artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of ou r nation and the world." Washington, Thursday, Reuters