Sylvester Stallone says induction into Trump-Kennedy Center is a culmination of his career journey

WASHINGTON, DC: Sylvester Stallone said on Tuesday, December 23, that his induction into the 48th Trump Kennedy Center Honors is a culmination of his career journey, as it goes beyond Hollywood and box office stats. 

Talking to reporters before the event, Stallone said it's something that he didn't expect and added that it's the ultimate, because it doesn't really center around the film industry.

Sylvester Stallone says he represents something that 'means something to other people'

Sylvester Stallone said before the event, "It's something I didn't expect. I guess you could say it's the ultimate, because it doesn't really center around the film industry.  There's a lot more to it, and it's been great that I represent something that means something to other people."

The reporter asked him, "What would you say to people who are aspiring to see you get this honor tonight and see the journey that you have had. What piece of encouragement would you give to them?" 

"The main thing is to try to find something that you do naturally. Something that you wouldn't be paid for if you didn't have to be paid. It just flows. I never had a goal in my life. I never thought I would want to win this or win that. I did what I could do best, and it turned out pretty good," the actor added.

And just after the final bell on the 48th Trump Kennedy Center Honors rung, Stallone reflected on the night’s proceedings.

"It's one thing to be celebrated like the premiere of a movie, but this was very emotional. I feel like this was almost an out-of-body experience. And to be celebrated by this president, with so many of our friends who showed up—we peaked." 

Before the start of the event, President Donald Trump told reporters, "We have great honorees. This is a group that really is unique."

"Over the years, you've had some wonderful honorees, but I think this is really very much unparalleled. It's very exciting being chairman, but maybe more importantly, saving this incredible structure and building and concept," the POTUS added. 

He further mentioned, "We've raised a tremendous amount of money tonight for the building itself and for the charities overall. It's been received like it's never been before."

The honorees for 2025 are George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, Michael Crawford, and Sylvester Stallone.

Trump hosts star-studded gala, honors legends 

President Trump on Tuesday hosted the star-studded Trump Kennedy Center Honors 2025 where he spoke highly of Sylvester Stallone and others.

"Tonight, we are here to congratulate the Kennedy Center honorees. This is our nation's highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the performing arts, and each of the incredible 2025 Kennedy Center honorees has earned the distinction many times over," Trump said in his speech.

He added, "They are among the greatest artists, actors, performers, musician, singers, songwriters ever to walk the face of the earth. Personally, I love them all and I know that America loves them also."

He started the ceremony by honoring Sylvester Stallone for 'some of the fantastic things that he has done'. Trump added that the actor has been his special friend for a long time.