Actor Dustin Hoffman and rock band Led Zeppelin honored at Kennedy Center

Actor Dustin Hoffman and rock band Led Zeppelin are among those to be honored by Washington's Kennedy Center later this year, the prestigious performance hall said Wednesday.

Others to be lauded at the December 2 gala include comedian and late night television host David Letterman, blues musician Buddy Guy and Russian ballerina Natalia Makarova.

"With their extraordinary talent, creativity and tenacity, the seven 2012 Kennedy Center honorees have contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world," Kennedy Center chairman David Rubenstein said in a statement.

Members of Led Zeppelin -- keyboardist and bassist John Paul Jones, guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant -- will each receive individual awards.

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are expected to attend the gala and will host the honorees at the White House beforehand.

Past honorees include actress Meryl Streep, singer Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey.