Angela Lansbury: "Adoring" the awards

The 2000 Kennedy Center Honours also raises money for the centre with an extravagant song and dance tribute.

The event was not just restricted to the Hollywood cognoscenti.

President Clinton also showed his appreciation by making a special White House tribute to the honorees.

"Each has given us something unique and enriched us beyond measure," he said.

"Tonight's honorees have brought to their art form a spark of the new and unexpected. Each has left their form of art in a position that forever changed for the better."

Since the prestigious ceremony began in 1978, 121 artists have been recognised, including singer Bob Dylan, actors Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, comedian Bob Hope and composer-conductor Andre Previn.

Hollywood icon Eastwood who made his name starring in movies such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Dirty Harry.

Placido Domingo: Operatic tribute

The 70-year cinema veteran, both as an actor and director, said it feels good to be recognised by some of his closest Hollywood friends.

"This is what America is all about," he said.

"Kiddingly, I told Tommy Lee Jones (who is on the board responsible for nominating the recipients) 'Are you the one that got me into this?'" he said.

Fifty-two-year-old Baryshnikov took to the US ballet stage at the height of the Cold War after his defection 25 years ago. He has been a principal dancer on the ballet stage ever since.

Lansbury, 75, who has been nominated for a dozens of awards in film, television and theatre, including 16 Emmy awards, said: "I am trying to actively savour and adore all of what is going on, because so often in life these things happen and you race through them without appreciating what is happening."

Chuck Berry: Hailed as poet laureate of rock and roll

Chuck Berry, who is 74, was hailed as the poet laureate of rock and roll and an influence on musicians for the last 40 years.

And at 59, Placido Domingo has sung 115 roles on the operatic stage - more parts than any other tenor, with more than 100 recordings to his credit.

Each honoree was given a tribute that included singing, dancing, music and surprise guests honoring their careers and in some cases, offering a glimpse of today's young stars.

"These people, through their careers, are still thriving and have already left a legacy," said George Stevens, co-creator of the honours production.

"They inspire young people and that is still another part of the legacy," he said.