AceShowbiz -

Actress Sally Field and author Stephen King are among the names to receive the National Medal of Arts this year. President Obama will award these people at the White House on Thursday, September 10.

Field is honored for "her contributions as an actress and filmmaker. The dignity, empathy, and fearlessness of her performances have touched audiences around the world, and she has deployed those same qualities off-screen in her advocacy for women, LGBT rights, and public health."

King is honored for "his contributions as an author. One of the most popular and prolific writers of our time, Mr. King combines his remarkable storytelling with his sharp analysis of human nature. For decades, his works of horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy have terrified and delighted audiences around the world."

Other recipients are visual artist John Baldessari, theater director and choreographer Ping Chong, actress Miriam Colon, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, visual artist Ann Hamilton, composer and singer Meredith Monk, tenor George Shirley, the University Musical Society, and author and educator Tobias Wolff.

The president is also handing out Humanities medals which recipients include author Jhumpa Lahiri and chef Alice Waters.