The stars attended a gala performance in their honour

Singer Dolly Parton and conductor Zubin Mehta were also honoured by the Kennedy Center, an American arts organisation.

They all received tributes from friends and co-stars at a gala performance in Washington, attended by President Bush.

Following tradition, the artists were not told who would perform in their tribute before the event.

Parton looked surprised and thrilled when country singer Kenny Rogers appeared to perform their hit song Islands In a Stream with Carrie Underwood.

Differences put aside

Mr Spielberg received tributes from two of his leading men, Tom Hanks and Liam Neeson.

Hanks invited World War II veterans and a Holocaust survivor to the stage to thank the director for his films.

Harold Baumgarten, who fought in the Normandy D-Day invasion portrayed in Saving Private Ryan, praised Spielberg for "showing it exactly as it happened."

The recipients met President Bush and his wife in the White House

The director, who is a high-profile opponent of the current US administration, said any disagreements would "remain in suspended animation for 48 hours".

"This is absolutely fantastic," said soul singer Robinson, whose tribute came from Aretha Franklin.

"I'm so honoured and so flattered to get this because it not only deals with your craft; they attach what impact you have on humanity to this."

The tribute for Lord Lloyd-Webber included performances from his musicals The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

Mehta, who is music director of the New York Philharmonic, was honoured by violinist Pinchas Zukerman.

First date

On Saturday, all five recipients attended a dinner hosted by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Ms Rice said she went to a Robinson gig on her first date - but her father had insisted on chaperoning her as "there was too much power in Smokey's soul".

The awards - now in their 29th year - recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts in the US, whether through TV, film, theatre, opera or music.