The Kennedy Center has introduced a significant redesign of its Honors medal, a move marking the first major change in nearly five decades. This new version replaces the traditional rainbow ribbon with a solid deep blue ribbon and features a more substantial gold medal. The updated design will make its official debut at the upcoming ceremony, scheduled for later this month.
Discussions surrounding the redesign involved collaboration between the White House, Kennedy Center leadership, and a design team from Tiffany & Co. The new medal incorporates a circular medallion, moving away from the historical soft, multicolored loop that had become synonymous with the Honors since its introduction in 1978. Notably, the medal now bears an etching of the Kennedy Center, complemented by subtle hints of rainbow colors at the top and bottom, alongside the recipient’s name and the date of the ceremony on the reverse side.
Kennedy Center officials stated that the redesign is part of a “comprehensive branding update” aimed at creating a cohesive visual identity across the stage production, broadcast elements, and printed materials. They clarified that this change does not affect the selection criteria or the core mission of the Honors, which recognizes artists for their contributions to American culture.
Embracing a New Era
This year’s ceremony promises additional adjustments, including new staging, lighting, and presentation segments to align with the updated visual theme. Honorees will be the first to receive the newly designed ribbon and medal, which will be prominently featured in the televised broadcast. This recording is set to occur this weekend and will air later this month on CBS.
Among the distinguished honorees for 2024 are iconic figures such as KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Sylvester Stallone. The ceremony holds particular significance as it follows closely after former President Donald Trump hosted the FIFA World Cup Draw. Trump was recently awarded the newly created “FIFA Peace Prize,” a trophy depicting golden hands holding a globe, which was showcased during the Kennedy Center Honors medal ceremony.
The redesign has sparked considerable discussion online, with many past attendees and arts organizations expressing their thoughts about the departure from the long-established rainbow design. The original rainbow ribbon had become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with the Honors, crafted by a local family in Washington, D.C.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 ceremony, the Kennedy Center aims to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that the Honors continue to celebrate artistic excellence while embracing a refreshed visual identity.
