Bette Midler and Lorne Michaels are honored at the medallion ceremony for the ...

Bette Midler and Lorne Michaels are honored at the medallion ceremony for the ...
Bette Midler and Lorne Michaels are honored at the medallion ceremony for the ...

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.

The weekend long event — which celebrates the careers of prominent members of the performing arts community — also includes a private reception for honorees at the White House and a performance at the Kennedy Opera House theatre on Sunday December 5.

Honored: Hollywood heavyweights including honorees Lorne Michaels (pictured) 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.

Honored: Hollywood heavyweights including honorees Lorne Michaels and Bette Midler (pictured) 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.

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.

Lorne, 77, was suited up in a tuxedo as he prepared to receive one of five medallions being handed out. 

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 famed singer-songwriter/actress wore her greyish-blonde locks down with a few teased pieces on top.

Industry titan: The 77-year-old Saturday Night Live creator was suited up in a tuxedo as he prepared to be receive one of a few medallions being handed out

Industry titan: The 77-year-old Saturday Night Live creator was suited up in a tuxedo as he prepared to be receive one of a few medallions being handed out 

Standing out: Joni Mitchell, 78, stood out from the crowd in a sweeping red coat with fur

Founding father: Berry Gordy Jr, 92, who is best known as the founder of Motown was also set to be honored

Recognition: Other honorees at the medallion ceremony including legendary songwriter Joni Mitchell, 78, and Motown founder/record executive Berry Gordy Jr, 92, were also pictured walking the red carpet

The honorees: All five recipients  were pictured in a group photo at the Library Of Congress after getting their medals; (left to right) Justino Díaz, Lorne Michaels, Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler and Berry Gordy

The honorees: All five recipients  were pictured in a group photo at the Library Of Congress after getting their medals; (left to right) Justino

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