A host of Hollywood's bright young things paid tribute to five more experienced showbiz names on Sunday at Washington DC's John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Reese Witherspoon, who recently announced her split from husband Ryan Phillippe, was on sparkling form as she helped honour country singer Dolly Parton.
The Walk The Line star even sang a few lines of 9 To 5 in front of an audience that included President Bush, his wife Laura, and soul singer Aretha Franklin.
While many of the guests, including Joan Collins, put in a glamorous appearance, it was Shania Twain who stole the limelight on the red carpet in a revealing, hot pink dress.
But the night truly belonged to veterans of screen, stage and music. As well as Dolly, Schindler's List director Steven Spielberg, Motowns's Smokey Robinson, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and conductor Zubin Mehta were also recognised for their lifetime contributions to the arts and to American culture.
Broadway star Sarah Brightman was on hand to introduce a tribute to her former husband and Cats creator Andrew, while Liam Neeson and Tom Hanks praised Steven's movie-making career. "Thank you, Steven, for what you have done for history," said Tom. "You are our hero."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
