Keep an open mind about award shows

I'm not the type of person who claims to know a lot about pop culture. I don't watch every movie nominated for an Oscar to adequately prepare myself to watch the Academy Awards. But I have friends who do, which is why I ended up watching the entire show this year.

In the middle of our Oscars viewing, I realized that I had missed the one award show that I actually watch every year, the Kennedy Center Honors, because I was not with my family over winter break this year. When I told my friends that I hadn't watched this year, my remarks were met with blank stares. They had absolutely no idea that the Kennedy Center Honors even existed.

These friends also watch the Emmy's and the Golden Globes, so I naively assumed that they would also watch the Kennedy Center Honors, since it is also a show where famous people are recognized for their talents.

At first, they refused to believe that this show was real, and, after a few disparaging remarks, chalked it up to me living near DC. I was determined to prove them wrong, so I asked other friends if they watch it. I received a resounding no.

Due to my impromptu survey, I admit that the Kennedy Center Honors does not have the same popularity as the Oscars. But it certainly belongs in the same category of annual shows that take us into the world of our favorite celebrities.

In case you're one of the unenlightened people who have no idea what I'm talking about, the Kennedy Center Honors chooses five people every year who have contributed significantly to American culture.

This show stands out because it takes place in the nation's capital instead of L.A. This automatically makes it classier than any other award show.

Instead of being hosted by one of Hollywood's comedians, the Kennedy Center Honors are currently hosted by Caroline Kennedy, which adds a layer of respect to the proceedings. What makes this show amazing, though, is the fact that the President and the First Lady are seated right next to the stars that are being honored.

Instead of having to listen to one acceptance speech after another, viewers are able to relax and watch the well-thought out tributes to each celebrity.

I like how the show focuses not only on one art form, but on whatever the Board of Trustees thinks is important. The people who are honored have done more than just sing one hit song or act in one successful movie.

I've watched this show since I was little. To me, the Kennedy Center is of the same caliber as Broadway. Every time I go to see a show, I look up and imagine the President sitting above me. That's so much more valuable to me than looking at Angelina Jolie's bare legs on the Oscars.

This will always be my top choice in the awards show category, no matter how many insults my friends throw my way.