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 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 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 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. All five recipients were pictured in a group photo after getting their medals. 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. Patron of the arts: Schitt's Creek star and creator Dan Levy was also present Comedic duo: Attendees including Levy (left) and SNL funny man Fred Armisen (right) all followed suit as they wore tuxedos for the prestigious evening Earlier in the day Pete Davidson was also pictured arriving to the Kennedy Center, as he is set to presumably attend to support Lorne. 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. This year President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to attend, reinstating a tradition that was interrupted by former President Donald Trump. Iconic: Armisen is best known for being a player on SNL from 2002 to 2013 Red carpet charm: Martin Short who is currently filming season two of the hit Hulu show Only Murders In the Building was pictured Trump and former first lady Melania declined to attend the 2017 Honors after two of honorees said they would skip the Trump-hosted reception at the White House, due to political beliefs.In 2018 and 2019 they also declined to attend. 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 for regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces, per the center's rules. Representing: Dance veteran and former honoree Debbie Allen was pictured rocking her medallion All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility