The legendary Meryl Streep is among five those selected to be a 2011 Kennedy Center Honoree

As we wait impatiently for Meryl Streep to win that elusive third Oscar (will the Margaret Thatcher movie finally do it?), the acting goddess will have to make do with another one of the most prestigious awards a performer can receive.

It was announced earlier today that Miss Streep will be one of the five 2011 Kennedy Center Honorees. Also selected: Sonny Rollins, Barbara Cook, Yo-Yo Ma and Neil Diamond.

These are all very deserving honorees but I have to say that I’m very disappointed that, once again, Broadway legend Carol Channing was overlooked. She is 90 years old and beyond deserving. Not only is her career an inspiration, but her work in recent years on behalf of the arts in schools is extraordinary.

The honors are given the first weekend of December in ceremonies at the State Department and the White House, with a televised evening of all-star salutes to the honorees at the Kennedy Center, introduced by Caroline Kennedy.

The presentations are always star-studded and musical and I cannot wait to see which of Miss Streep’s many famous co-stars will participate. Robert Redford (Out of Africa)? Shirley MacLaine (Postcards From the Edge)? Cher (Silkwood)? Kevin Kline (Sophie’s Choice)? Dustin Hoffman (Kramer Vs. Kramer)? Jack Nicholson (Heartburn and Ironweed)? Goldie Hawn (Death Becomes Her)? Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada and Julie & Julia)? Glenn Close (House of Spirits)? Vanessa Redgrave (Evening)? Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin (It’s Complicated)? Tom Cruise (Lions for Lambs)? Nicolas Cage (Adaptation)? and on and on and on.

She has worked with just about every star in Hollywood in just about every genre. It seems like there is nothing she can’t do and I love watching her do all of it.