Obama to award arts, humanities medals to Sally Field, Stephen King, chef Alice Waters

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FILE - In this March 14, 2015 file photo, Sally Field attends the "Hello, My Name is Doris" red carpet during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Field is one of several artists who will receive the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony. The president and first lady Michelle Obama will present the award Sept. 10, 2015 to Field and 11 others. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)

WASHINGTON – Actress Sally Field and author Stephen King are among luminaries being awarded a National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama.

Obama will bestow honours on 18 people and three institutions during a White House ceremony Thursday.

The White House says Field was chosen for showing dignity, empathy and fearlessness in performances that have touched audiences worldwide and for displaying those same qualities in her off-screen advocacy for women, gay rights and public health.

King is being recognized for combining storytelling with his analysis of human nature, and for thrilling readers around the world through decades of work.

Alice Waters, chef-owner of the organic restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, is receiving a National Humanities Medal for championing a holistic approach to eating and health.

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