Al Pacino among artists honored at White House

(CBS/AP) President Barack Obama honored several artists and writers, including actor Al Pacino, for their contributions to the nation and presented each one with either the National Medal of Arts or the National Humanities Medal at the White House on Monday.

Mr. Obama presented the National Medal of Arts to eight artists and patrons; among them was Pacino, country music artist Mel Tillis, and 100-year-old printmaker Will Barnet.

He then bestowed the National Humanities Medal to nine authors, thinkers and scholars, including poet John Ashbery and essayist Andrew Delbanco.

Before awarding the medals, the president said the arts have the power to bring together people of different backgrounds and beliefs. And he urged the honorees to help mentor a new generation of artists and scholars, saying their role in the nation's future would be equally as important as the next generation of engineers and scientists.

"The arts and humanities do not just reflect America, they shape America," Mr. Obama said. "As long as I'm president, I look forward to making sure they are a priority for this country."