Sylvester Stallone was among five honorees at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday 7 December, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

Stallone was joined by country artist George Strait, disco legend Gloria Gaynor, Broadway icon Michael Crawford, and rock band Kiss.

Kurt Russell gave the tribute speech for Stallone, with the event accompanied by orchestral renditions of Bill Conti’s Rocky score, conducted by Conti himself. Stallone attended with his wife Jennifer Flavin and used a cane following recent back surgery – the result of years of performing his own stunts, particularly across The Expendables films.

The Kennedy Center Honors recognises individuals whose contribution to the performing arts has shaped American cultural life. The ceremony airs on CBS and Paramount+ on 23 December.