IN IMAGES, IN PICTURES. George Clooney and U2 honored by the Kennedy Center, in the presence of Joe Biden

George Clooney, U2Gladys Knight, Tania Leon and Amy Grant were decorated on Sunday December 4, 2022 at Washingtonduring the 45th edition of the highly prestigious Kennedy Center Honors cultural award.

Joe Biden and his wife Jill, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff, were present at this prestigious evening in the great cultural center of the American capital.

A host of stars have taken the stage at the Kennedy Center to pay tribute to these personalities from the world of American culture. The US President also took the stage to pay tribute to this year’s winner.

Oscar-winning actor George Clooney, 61, and his wife Amal, a human rights lawyer, were particularly expected on the red carpet. Star of the film “Ocean’s Eleven” and “Batman and Robin”, who also directed and produced several films, he said he was honored to receive this tribute.

“Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, I never imagined that I would ever be seated on the Honors Balcony at the Kennedy Center”he said in a press release. “To be mentioned alongside the rest of these incredible artists is an honor. »

Singer and philanthropist Bono and his band U2, who have sold 170 million albums worldwide, were honored for legendary tracks like ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, ‘Desire’ and ‘With or without you’.

Nicknamed “the Empress of soul”, Gladys Knight, 78, declared herself “infinitely touched”. “The Kennedy Center’s dedication to art is unparalleled and I am so grateful”she added.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music for her opera “Stride”, Tania Leon, 79, is known for her innovative and powerful compositions, mixing classical music and Cuban rhythms, as well as for her chamber music.

Amy Grant, 62, was the first Christian music singer to go platinum, and she won six Grammy Awards. The first Christian music star to be recognized by the Kennedy Center, she indicated that “never in (his) wildest dreams” she had never expected to receive this reward.

“Over the years I have seen many of my heroes celebrated by their fellow artists, always moved by the ability of films and music to bring us together and find the best in us”she added in a press release. “Thank you for widening the circle for all of us. »

All these beautiful people had previously attended a private reception at the White House with the Bidens. The show will air on all major US channels on December 28.