Recipients of the awards will be recognized at a taped ceremony, to be broadcast on network television, and will attend a White House dinner with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

Composer and conductor John Williams, 72, has won five Academy Awards, 17 Grammys, and two Emmys. He is the composer of a number of concert works, but is best known for his film scores, which include the Star Wars trilogy, Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and, more recently, Minority Report and Catch Me if You Can. He is also conductor laureate of the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Australian soprano Joan Sutherland, 77, was already a star when she made her United States debut in 1960. A principal at the Metropolitan Opera for more than 25 years, Sutherland recorded extensively and is known for her longtime collaboration with her husband, musician and composer Richard Bonynge.