Sting and Hanks honoured in US

Tom Hanks and Sting joined Lily Tomlin, singer Al Green and ballerina Patricia McBride in being awarded this year’s Kennedy Centre Honours for influencing American culture through the arts.

Leading performers and power players from Hollywood, Broadway and Washington gathered to salute them in a gala performance.

Film-maker Steven Spielberg, who collaborated with Hanks on many projects, said “America’s favourite son” has opened a window on the nation with movies that include Philadelphia, A League of Their Own, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13 and Saving Private Ryan.