A new class of artists will join the ranks of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Lorne Michaels, and Cher at the Kennedy Center Honors Gala this year. The 45th annual honorees for lifetime achievement include actor George Clooney, Gospel and R&B singer Gladys Knight, Christian singer-songwriter Amy Grant, the rock band U2, and composer/conductor Tania León. The award recognizes artists for contributions to American culture through performing arts, including in music, dance, opera, theater, movies and television.

“Whether saving humanity, masterminding a heist, or captaining a ship in dangerous seas, actor George Clooney’s unique brand of earnest charisma and his complete embodiment of a character has led us to root for him every time,” Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a press release.

Rubenstein also highlighted Gladys Knight’s voice and soul standing the test of time, Amy Grant’s successful crossover into mainstream pop, Tania León’s influence on classical music, and U2’s powerful messages of justice and global citizenship.

Tickets for the gala and event are not available to the general public. Donors to the Kennedy Center have priority, with those contributing at least $10,000 annually given priority access to request tickets. Donors at the $700 level or higher are then eligible to purchase or be waitlisted for any remaining tickets, after which tickets may be made available the public for purchase, according to the Kennedy Center’s website.

Done+Dusted production company will executive produce the ceremony on Dec. 4. They have just begun to plan the show which will also be recorded for a two-hour primetime special broadcast on CBS at a later date, according to a press release.

When asked about special performances to look forward to, a Kennedy Center representative said in an email, “The Kennedy Center preserves the element of surprise for both the Honorees and the audiences, and we never reveal the tribute talent prior to the live show in December.” So as in past years, guests can look forward to some surprise entertainment at the event.