A GLAMOROUS EVENING WITH POLITICIANS AND CELEBRITIES
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe stars came out last night, April 28th, for what has come to be known as the ‘Nerd Prom’ of Washington, D.C., otherwise known as the White House Correspondent’s Dinner. This dinner raises money for journalism scholarships. The evening is not only a very significant event for celebrities but WHCA journalists look forward to the event as well. The press is recognized for dedicated efforts in reporting the news to the world under difficult conditions at times. It is the recognition of the WHCA journalists that handle press access to the President and physical conditions in the White House press briefing rooms. President Obama especially recognized the Huffington Post for recently earning the Pulitzer Prize award. Most of the major news organizations such as CBS, ABC, NBC and FOX News were proudly represented.
This dinner became an annual event in 1920 and since then has become a tradition attended by the President and Vice President. There is usually a comedian who becomes the featured speaker of the evening in a sort of roast of the President. This year the chosen host was Jimmy Kimmel.
The dinner took place at The Washington Hilton and walking the Red Carpet to attend the prestigious dinner were George Clooney, Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian, Sophia Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Leon Panetta, Steven Spielberg, Rick Santorum, David Gregory, Eva Longoria, Al Sharpton, Lindsay Lohan, Tom Joyner, Susan Rice, Ann Curry, Claire Danes, Eric Cantor and Kathleeen Sebelius among others.
Lindsay Lohan looked tall and graceful in a black halter gown with flowing train and diamond bracelet. She seemed at ease in front of the camera.
Smiling Sophia Vergara, as always, looked stunning in a black strapless knee-length cocktail dress with diamond studded belt giving the dress pizzazz with the right amount of bling.
Goldie Hawn looked beautiful in a black floor length gown topped with a lush white mink stole. She still captivates with her smile and good looks.
Mary J. Blige sparkled in black with a metallic glistening neckline and red platforms. She was accompanied by debonair Kendu Isaacs.
NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’,Elle Macpherson, gets a winning vote for her black satin strapless gown with sexy slit accentuating her sleek curves.
There could be no better representative on the journalism front than Diane Sawyer in a black tight-fitting gown showing off her spectacular figure and golden locks. To accessorize the gown, she carried a gold clutch purse and gold wrap.
Diane Keaton chose the ‘Annie Hall’ look and was accompanied by Rashida Jones wearing a gorgeous blue and black top and skirt combination.
Of course, Ivanka Trump sparkled from her smile all the way to her embellished low-cut blackish silver gown as she walked the Red Carpet.
The stunning couple of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were a perfect match with she in brilliant red and he in the dapper black tux.
The lovely Claire Danes chose a white halter gown which was a splendid fit to show off her hourglass figure and she gave a smile drawing the camera to her ruby red lips.
Young Dakota Fanning bedazzled in a light silver with gold embellishments v-neck gown looking many years older than her age. She chose matching metallic sandals to compliment the gown.
Swimsuit beauty, Kate Upton, went conservative in a blush colored long-sleeved wrap dress and looked a bit angelic with her long blond hair streaming down her back.
Sweet Elizabeth Banks was powerfully pretty in a raging red strapless gown with an extra layer around the waist. Accessorizing the dress were large hoop earrings and a gold cuff bracelet.
Chic Charlize Theron was exquisite once again in an innocent sort of way as she graced the Red Carpet in a black and beige lace gown with long sleeves and a hint of a train.
No party would be complete without the most talked about celebrity, Kim Kardashian. Invited by FOX News, she wore her hair in an updo and stood out in a dark green velvet gown with embellished shoulders and a skinny belt with bracelet to match. The gown hugged her hips and flowed downward tastefully.
Since we find ourselves in an election year, Obama poked much fun at Mitt Romney along with a bit of humor towards Newt Gingrich. He looked back at the last four years, brought his audience back to the present and reached for the future. The President took on a more serious note as he described that challenges surely lie ahead for the next four years. He focused on the sacrifices that the press make in the name of a free press. He remembered Anthony Shadid of The New York Times and Marie Colvin of The Times of London, two professional journalists that loved what they did and “who made the ultimate sacrifice as they sought to shine a light on some of the most important stories of our time” in President Obama’s words. The President has the utmost respect and admiration for all journalists who at times are required to put themselves in the face of danger to report a story.
It was almost a given when Jimmy Kimmel took to the podium and joked about the Secret Service. Kimmel scanned the room and poked fun at many of the attendees as well.
In a time of serious issues and widespread concern of the state of the economy, it was a welcome relief to join fashion and fun for an evening of enjoyment and recognition of all of our journalism professionals.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images
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