Joe and Jill Biden Attended the Kennedy Center Honors Sunday evening in Washington was celebrated for the artistic achievements of five individuals and groups.
The president and first lady first visited the annual event in their current offices in 2021, wearing face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Biden’s predecessors, Donald and Melania Trump, He skipped the celebrationIt is usually attended by the President of the Republic.)
This year, John F. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honored actor and human rights activist George Clooney, singer Amy Grant, artist Gladys Knight, composer and conductor Tania Lyon, and Irish band U2.
Bono and George Clooney greet each other next to The Edge and Tania Leone at the 45th Kennedy Center Honors on December 4, 2022 in Washington.
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President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attend the 45th Kennedy Center Honors on December 4, 2022 in Washington.
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The 2022 Kennedy Center Honorees join Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney, Tania Leone, U2 band members Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr., The Edge and Bono on December 3, 2022 at the State Department in Washington.
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“Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, I never would have imagined that I would be sitting in the balcony at the Kennedy Center Honors. It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as these incredible artists. It’s a truly wonderful surprise for the entire Clooney family,” Clooney said in a statement on the Kennedy Center’s website.
President Joe Biden extends his hand to First Lady Jill Biden as they leave the Kennedy Center Honors Reception at the White House on Dec. 4, 2022, in Washington.
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Kennedy Center Kennedy American actor George Clooney and Bono of the band U2 attend the Kennedy Center Honors Banquet in the East Room of the White House, December 4, 2022, in Washington.
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President Joe Biden speaks during the Kennedy Center Honors Reception at the White House, Dec. 4, 2022, in Washington.
AP Photo/Manuel Pals Seneta
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff are also scheduled to attend Sunday night’s event.
The Bidens’ appearance came after the couple welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron On a state visit last week. The President also traveled to Boston to greet Prince William at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
The center honors artists each year for their impact on American culture. Honorees celebrated in 2021 include “Saturday Night Live” host Lorne Michaels, singer and actress Bette Midler and singer Joni Mitchell.
The celebration often serves as a magnet for Washington political and Hollywood dignitaries, drawing them to the Kennedy Center, located on the Potomac River in the nation’s capital.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the 44th Kennedy Center Honors, Dec. 5, 2021, in Washington.
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This year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients were announced in July.
In addition to recognizing the honorees’ artistic talents and contributions, the ceremony also raises money for the Kennedy Center, which hosts several programs throughout the year.
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