Bette Midler Accepts 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize & Sings a Protest Song
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An audience sing-along of Guthrie's most famous song, "This Land Is Your Land."
The event served as a fundraiser to support the center's educational programs, public concerts, and exhibitions.
The Woody Guthrie Prize seeks to recognize artists who reflect Guthrie's belief that music can be a force for social justice and change. Guthrie died in 1967 at age 55.
Midler, 80, has won three Grammys, three Primetime Emmys and a Tony (plus a non-competitive Tony). She has received two Oscar nominations. She would likely have received the Kennedy Center Honors by now, but President Trump has said that he struck potential honorees who were, in his words, "too woke."
Here's a complete list of recipients of the Woody Guthrie Prize:
2026: Bette Midler
2025: U2
2024: Tom Morello
2023: pu**y Riot
2022: no award
2021: Bruce Springsteen
2020: Joan Baez
2019: Chuck D
2018: John Mellencamp
2017: Norman Lear
2016: Kris Kristofferson
2015: Mavis Staples
2014: Pete Seeger
