(Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Piano man Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine, opera singer Martina Arroyo, and musicians Herbie Hancock and Carlos Santana will be the recipients of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, the performing arts institution announced today.

“The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a release. “Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel’s melodies have provided the soundtrack of our lives for over four decades making him one pop music’s most prolific and memorable singers and songwriters; the remarkable breadth and range of Shirley MacLaine’s acting has left an indelible impression over a nearly 60-year career on stage and screen; from his legendary performance at Woodstock to his sweep at the 2000 Grammys and beyond, Carlos Santana’s artistry transcends genres while entertaining millions.”

The Kennedy Center announced in May that it would change the selection process for the Honors after criticisms about a lack of diversity among past honorees. The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and National Hispanic Leadership Agenda led the charge, noting that only two Latinos had been honored during the ceremony’s 35-year history. This year’s selection certainly reflects that change, both in terms of gender and ethnicity.

The 36th ceremony will take place on December 8 and will be broadcast on CBS on December 29.