David Letterman, Dustin Hoffman among 2012 Kennedy Center honorees

Host David Letterman is shown on the set of the "Late Show with David Letterman," in New York

/ AP/CBS

(CBS/AP) This year's Kennedy Center honorees will have a mix of comedy and rock and roll.

Dustin Hoffman, Led Zeppelin and "Late Show" host David Letterman are among seven people receiving the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors. Other recipients will include blues singer Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova.

Pictures: The 34th Kennedy Center Honors

The 75-year-old Hoffman says it seems harder to win the Kennedy Center Honors than the Oscars or Golden Globes. He says he's honored and flattered to be included.

Letterman says there must have been a "mix-up.'' But he says he's grateful.

The nation's highest honor for those who have influenced American culture through the arts comes with a nod from President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The honorees will be saluted by fellow performers in Washington on Dec. 2.

The 35th annual Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast Dec. 26 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Last year's honorees included Neil Diamond and Meryl Streep.

35 Photos

The 34th Kennedy Center Honors