Veterans of film, theatre and music honoured

Joan Sutherland was called "an avalanche of sound" and Elton John "the other first lady" as the Kennedy Centre honoured six veterans from the worlds of film, theatre and music.

Australian opera diva Sutherland, John, conductor John Williams and actors Warren Beatty, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee were honoured with a star-studded tribute. Australian soprano Sutherland, 78, was saluted by fellow opera singers Sherrill Milnes and Marilyn Horne, a previous honouree. Milnes called Sutherland "an avalanche of sound. She's become the standard by which all others are measured".

But actor Robert Downey stole the show with his tribute to John. Downey said three phrases came to mind: "Genius, lifesaver, the other first lady."