US president George Bush toasted Oscar-winning actress Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Grammy-honoured singer Paul Simon and actor James Earl Jones, today for their achievements in the performing arts.

Academy Award-winning actress Elizabeth Taylor and Grammy-honoured singer Paul Simon were among five stars from the world of performing arts being honoured for their career achievements.

Paul McCartney has been forced to pull out of a prestigious American award ceremony attended by US President George Bush because of family commitments.

Elizabeth Taylor, James Earl Jones and Sir Paul McCartney will pick up awards at the 25th annual honours of the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.