Daily Mail
Bette Midler and Lorne Michaels are honored at the medallion ceremony for the Kennedy City Honors December 4, 2021
By SARAH ABRAHAM
December 4, 2021
Hollywood heavyweights and more all slipped into their best black-tie looks for night one of the 44th annual Kennedy Center Honors on Saturday evening.
Held at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. big names honored including Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler, and Joni Mitchell were in attendance for the prestigious medallion ceremony.
Honored: Hollywood heavyweights including honorees Lorne Michaels and Bette Midler were in attendance at the medallion ceremony for the 44th annual Kennedy Center Honors on Saturday evening at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
The Saturday Night Live creator posed on the red carpet solo without his wife Alice Barry who was undoubtedly in attendance to support her husband of 30 years.
Bette, 76, — an additional honoree at the event — looked timeless as she modeled a simple black gown with a high neck while carrying a stylish clutch bag.
The trio of other honorees at the 44th annual Honors includes legendary songwriter Joni Mitchell, Motown founder/record executive Berry Gordy Jr, and operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz.
The River singer, 78, stood out from the crowd in a sweeping red fur coat, while Gordy, 92, showed off a textured tuxedo jacket.
Others in attendance for the ceremony included Martin Short, dance veteran and former honoree Debbie Allen, SNL player Fred Armisen, and Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy.
The medallion ceremony kicked off on Saturday evening but the gala event is on Sunday, December 5 which includes a performance and a private reception for the five honorees.
In 2020 the event was postponed on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in a scaled-back version in May. The Bidens did not attend in person but hosted a reception for the award recipients.
As this year’s events are all held in person, proof of full vaccination is required to attend all indoor performances and events at the Kennedy Center.
Masks are also required at all times regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces, per the center’s rules.
