Easily one of Washington's most high profile events of the year, the
Kennedy Center Honors celebration returned to the District on Sunday.
Five extraordinary artists were feted in 2014, including singer Al
Green, actor/filmmaker
Tom Hanks, ballerina
Patricia McBride, singer/songwriter
Sting, and comedienne
Lily Tomlin.
Beyond the standout group of honorees, however, the event always draws an equally impressive list of attendees for the all-evening affair, which includes a rich stage program in addition to an exclusive after party.
Now in its 37th year, the 2014 Honors gala was hosted by
Stephen Colbert and boasted tributes and performances by
Steven Spielberg,
Lady Gaga,
Bruno Mars,
Bruce Springsteen, and
Martin Short, among others.
Perhaps the only people who could possibly standout among such a notable group of A-listers were
President Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama, whose motorcade arrival unofficially signaled the start of the program.
Earlier in the day, the President personally paid tribute to this year's honorees during an intimate reception held inside the East Room of the White House.
The Honors award was conceived as a way to "provide recognition to living individuals who throughout their lifetimes have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts."
This year's show will be broadcast on CBS on Tuesday, December 30th at 9:00p.m. ET/PT.
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Be sure to check out all of our photographs from this event HERE!