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“I’m the President, but he’s The Boss” joked President Obama as he presented Bruce Springsteen with a Kennedy Center award for his contributions to US culture.

Obama congratulates Bruce Springsteen (AP Photo)

The 32nd annual Kennedy Center Honors was a two-day celebration, with recipients attending a dinner on Saturday hosted by Hillary Clinton, a Sunday reception with President Obama at the White House, and a gala performance at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night.

This year’s other recipients were Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Grace Bumbry and Dave Brubeck. Others in attendance at the White House reception included Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the First Lady, Martin Scorsese and Aretha Franklin.

The gala performance will be televised on CBS on Dec 29 and featured appearances by Herbie Hancock, Sting, Meryl Streep and Aretha Franklin.

The honorees pose with Hillary Clinton at the State Department (AP Photo)

Speaking at the White House reception, President Obama said:

“These performers are indeed the best. They are also living reminders of a simple truth – and I’m going to steal a line from Michelle here – the arts are not somehow apart from our national life, the arts are at the heart of our national life.”

President Obama paid tribute to each of the recipients in turn. Watch his tribute to Bruce Springsteen

President Obama’s full speech can be viewed here

Congratulations to Bruce Springsteen. What a great year he is having.