Trump’s Choice for the Kennedy Center Honors

Donald Trump recently revealed his pick for the Kennedy Center honors during his second term, and surprisingly, he didn’t opt for some usual suspects like Dean Cain or Hannibal Lecter. Instead, he chose Sylvester Stallone, who also serves as Trump’s unofficial Hollywood ambassador. Quite the unique accolade, considering Stallone’s films have had a mixed reception over the years. Notably, he holds the dubious honor of having made what many consider the worst film among those chosen for this recognition. (Let’s just say we’re setting some boundaries here, and not including singers who’ve had a moment or two of cinematic misfortune.)

Over the last 25 years, the Kennedy Center has honored numerous film legends including Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, and Al Pacino—quite the lineup. Now, I hear you—many of Billy Crystal’s films aren’t exactly classics, but he did star in Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally…, which a lot of people adore. Plus, he has Monsters, Inc. to his credit. Oh, and let’s not forget City Slickers, which I think has its charm. As for Stallone, he’s been consistently making movies, even if many have been, well, less than stellar. So, thanks, Sly; enjoy sharing the stage with icons like Bette Davis and Paul Newman. Though, I can’t help but wonder how many of these choices are influenced by Hollywood’s often conservative landscape.

Looking ahead, Stallone’s selection might hold special significance in 2025 as he celebrates 40 years since his biggest year, 1985, when he starred in two of the top three highest-grossing films in the U.S.—Rocky IV and Rambo: First Blood Part II. These films, while certainly popular, also raise questions about taste. What’s worse? It’s a tough call.

Since that peak in 1985, Stallone hasn’t returned to such heights, though he had a brief resurgence in 1993 with Cliffhanger and Demolition Man. His triumphant return to the role of Rocky Balboa, which garnered him his first Oscar nomination after decades, is certainly memorable.

Stallone’s notable work in film is diverse, truly capturing what it means to be honored by the Kennedy Center. From Rocky and First Blood to Cliffhanger, there’s a lot to explore in his filmography. If you’re looking for a starting point, you might want to pick one or two from his most iconic flicks, perhaps adding a dash of something more recent for a modern touch.

To be fair, Stallone’s most famous characters remain icons, even with the myriad sequels that have surfaced over time. He certainly showed his ability to adapt to the changing Hollywood landscape. It’s interesting to see how he’s shaped these characters through tumultuous decades, addressing cultural shifts and the cinematic landscape of America.

There’s a reason Stallone’s path aligns with Trump’s ideals, though this wasn’t always so apparent. It seems he embraces a kind of creative freedom that allows him to diverge from what he’s known for, continuously pushing boundaries. Love him or hate him, he’s remained a consistent presence in Hollywood, managing to produce films that often defy expectations, even if they sometimes land on the wrong side of good.