The evening recognized the achievements of singer Al Green, actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks, ballerina Patricia McBride, singer-songwriter Sting and comedienne Lily Tomlin.

"The 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors" was first in viewers (9.20 million), adults 25-54 (1.7/05) and adults 18-49 (1.2/04). The annual celebration posted its best viewer delivery since 2010 and its best adults 25-54 and adults 18-49 performances since 2012.

For the night, CBS was first in viewers (9.53 million), adults 25-54 (1.8/05) and adults 18-49 (1.2/04).

The Honors recipients, according to press notes, are "recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts – whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television – and are selected by the Center’s Board of Trustees. The primary criterion in the selection process is excellence. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; over the years, the selection process has produced a balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines."