Last years, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Paul McCartney were among the honourees.

BBC: Meryl Streep to receive Kennedy Center honour

Dame Helen was one of a handful of British honourees on a night dominated by Palme d'Or winner and Oscar hopeful Amour (Love).

BBC: Entertainment & Arts

"With their extraordinary talent, creativity and tenacity, the seven 2012 Kennedy Center honourees have contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world, " said chairman David Rubenstein.

BBC: Hoffman and Led Zep to be honoured by Kennedy Center

Honourees include Gregory Maguire, author of more than a dozen novels for children and adults, including Wicked, the basis for the eponymous Broadway musical, and Mikko Nissinen, artistic director for the Boston Ballet.

BBC: Business trip: Boston