The John F. Kennedy Center announced Thursday that the film director Francis Ford Coppola will receive this year's John F. Kennedy Center Awards, along with the Grateful Dead rock band, Bonnie Raitt the blues singer, Arturo Sandoval the jazz pianist, trumpeter and composer, and The Apollo Theater.

The Apollo Theater, located in New York City’s Harlem district, was the first organization recognized by the Center, which usually honors individuals or groups for their lifetime achievements in the Arts.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the venue that launched iconic Black artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

In the Kennedy Center's announcement, Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said: "The Apollo has led us and the rest of the world forward through discovering and nurturing raw talents. It has molded a unique culture identity that still defines American culture today."

The 47th Kennedy Center Honors Gala will take place on December 8 at Washington's Opera House. The U.S. President and First Lady are usually present at the ceremony. The event's host has yet to be announced.

According to a press release from the center, the gala will air on CBS on December 23 and be streamed on Paramount+ on the following day. Reporting by Liya cui Editing Frances Kerry