Scarlett Johansson and Ellie Goulding lead stars on red carpet of the Kennedy Center Honors in DC

Scarlett Johansson and Ellie Goulding hit the red carpet in spectacular fashion while attending The Kennedy Center Honors, which recognizes those in the performing arts for their of contributions to American culture. 

Ahead of the star-studded gala in Washington, D.C, which will be honoring Broadway legend Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Joni Mitchell, operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz and more on Sunday night, the Black Widow star, 37, stunned in a gorgeous plunging gold gown that put her phenomenal figure on full display. 

The Tony Award winner, who welcomed her son Cosmo with husband Colin Jost just four months ago, wore her bright blonde hair in an elegant ponytail, heavy black eyeliner and a diamond choker.    

In addition to posing for a number of solo shots, Johansson’s spouse joined her for pictures, where she sweetly held onto his arm as they beamed at the camera.   

The Saturday Night Live star, who gazed lovingly at his wife throughout the evening, looked incredibly handsome in a black tuxedo, bow tie and white dress shirt as well as his dark blonde hair perfectly coiffed. 

Goulding appeared to be having a blast as she twirled around in a flowing metallic silver dress with bell sleeves and an embellished top. 

Beaming: Ahead of the prestigious ceremony, which will be honoring Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Joni Mitchell and more on Sunday night, the Black Widow star, 37, gorgeous plunging gold gown that put her phenomenal figure on full display

Glowing: The Tony Award winner, who welcomed her son Cosmo with husband Colin Jost just four months ago, wore her bright blonde hair in an elegant ponytail, heavy black eyeliner and a diamond choker

Glowing: The Tony Award winner, who welcomed her son Cosmo with husband Colin Jost just four months ago, wore her bright blonde hair in an elegant ponytail, heavy black eyeliner and a diamond choker

Happy couple:  In addition to posing for a number of solo shots, Johansson's spouse joined her for pictures, where she sweetly held onto his arm as they beamed at the camera

Happy couple:  In addition to posing for a number of solo shots, Johansson’s spouse joined her for pictures, where she sweetly held onto his arm as they beamed at the camera

Dapper: The perfectly SNL star, who gazed lovingly at his wife throughout the evening, looked incredibly handsome in a black tuxedo, bow tie and white dress shirt as well as his dark blonde hair perfectly coiffed

Dapper: The perfectly SNL star, who gazed lovingly at his wife throughout the evening, looked incredibly handsome in a black tuxedo, bow tie and white dress shirt as well as his dark blonde hair perfectly coiffed

Look of love: Johansson gazed lovingly at her spouse, who she wed last year

Look of love: Johansson gazed lovingly at her spouse, who she wed last year 

While showing off her fun and flirty frock, the 34-year-old Love Me Like You Do singer sported a radiant makeup look, which included a glossy pink lipstick, a light dusting of blush and a few layers of mascara.

The English singer and songwriter, who gave birth to son Arthur seven months ago, wore her silky and sleek blonde tresses perfectly straightened for the occasion. 

Poehler oozed elegance in a long white collared dress, diamond earrings, a red lipstick and purple nail polish.

Shining: Goulding appeared to be having a blast as she twirled around in a flowing metallic silver dress with bell sleeves and an embellished top

Shining: Goulding appeared to be having a blast as she twirled around in a flowing metallic silver dress with bell sleeves and an embellished top

Playful: While showing off her fun and flirty frock, the 34-year-old Love Me Like You Do singer sported a radiant makeup look, which included a glossy pink lipstick, a light dusting of blush and a few layers of mascara

Playful: While showing off her fun and flirty frock, the 34-year-old Love Me Like You Do singer sported a radiant makeup look, which included a glossy pink lipstick, a light dusting of blush and a few layers of mascara

Wow: Poehler oozed elegance in a long white collared dress, diamond earrings, a red lipstick and purple nail polish

Wow: Poehler oozed elegance in a long white collared dress, diamond earrings, a red lipstick and purple nail polish

Glam makeup: She also added a flush of color to the cheeks that brought some warmth to her face for a radiant glow

Glam makeup: She also added a flush of color to the cheeks that brought some warmth to her face for a radiant glow

She also added a flush of color to her cheeks with a beautiful shade of blush that brought some warmth to her face. 

The Parks and Recreation star was seen mingling with actor Fred Armisen, known for his run as a cast member on SNL from 2002 to 2013. 

Armisen, 55, wore a classic black suit, bow tie, and a pair of glasses as he celebrated the honorees at the Kennedy Center Opera House.  

Friends: The Parks and Recreation star was seen mingling with actor Fred Armisen, known for his run as a cast member on SNL from 2002 to 2013

Friends: The Parks and Recreation star was seen mingling with actor Fred Armisen, known for his run as a cast member on SNL from 2002 to 2013

All dressed up: Armisen, 55, wore a classic black suit, bow tie, and a pair of glasses as he celebrated the honorees at the Kennedy Center Opera House

All dressed up: Armisen, 55, wore a classic black suit, bow tie, and a pair of glasses as he celebrated the honorees at the Kennedy Center Opera House

'This year’s Honorees represent the unifying power of the Arts and surely remind us of that which binds us together as human beings. These artists are equal parts genius, inspiration, and entertainment,' said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement on The Kennedy Center website

‘This year’s Honorees represent the unifying power of the Arts and surely remind us of that which binds us together as human beings. These artists are equal parts genius, inspiration, and entertainment,’ said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement on The Kennedy Center website

‘This year’s Honorees represent the unifying power of the Arts and surely remind us of that which binds us together as human beings. These artists are equal parts genius, inspiration, and entertainment,’ said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement on The Kennedy Center website. 

She continued: ‘After the challenges and heartbreak of the last many months, and as we celebrate 50 years of the Kennedy Center, I dare add that we are prepared to throw ‘the party to end all parties’ in D.C. on December 5th, feting these extraordinary people and welcoming audiences back to our campus.’  

Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein explained that on The Kennedy Center website that the their  honors celebrate the ‘luminaries whose art and creativity have enriched us beyond measure.’  

Handsome: Pete Davidson shot a thumbs up at the cameras while rocking a black tuxedo, sunglasses and a gold watch

Handsome: Pete Davidson shot a thumbs up at the cameras while rocking a black tuxedo, sunglasses and a gold watch

Fierce: Kate McKinnon rocked a low-cut black blazer and matching pants at the red carpet

Fierce: Kate McKinnon rocked a low-cut black blazer and matching pants at the red carpet

Looking good! Jimmy Fallon, who was on SNL from 1998 to 2004, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo

Looking good! Jimmy Fallon, who was on SNL from 1998 to 2004, cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo

Comedian: Fallon, 47, is the host of late-night talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Comedian: Fallon, 47, is the host of late-night talk show The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In addition to Midler, Gordy and Mitchell, Justino Díaz and Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels were among the honorees. 

A handful of present and past SNL cast members including Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Martin Short, Kristen Wiig, Kenan Thompson and Jimmy Fallon were there to support Michaels, an Emmy Award-winning producer.  

Davidson appeared in high spirits as he shot a thumbs up at the cameras while rocking a black tuxedo, sunglasses and a gold watch on the red carpet. 

Radiant: Kristen Wiig wore a long blue evening gown with a shiny gold stripe down the front

Radiant: Kristen Wiig wore a long blue evening gown with a shiny gold stripe down the front

Chic: She rocked a pixie haircut and accessorized with a pair of cool statement earrings

She paired her look with white heels

Eye-catching: Wiig wore a long blue evening gown with a shiny gold stripe down the front

McKinnon, who has worked on Saturday Night Live since 2012, rocked a low-cut black blazer, matching pants and a pair of towering heels.

Kristen Wiig wore a long blue evening gown with a shiny gold stripe down the front.

She rocked a pixie haircut and accessorized with a pair of cool statement earrings.

A big night: Seth Meyers wore a black tuxedo, bow tie and white button-down

A big night: Seth Meyers wore a black tuxedo, bow tie and white button-down

SNL stars: Kenan Thompson and Martin Short (L-R) posed for pictures together as they both rocked black tuxedo and matching leather loafers

SNL stars: Kenan Thompson and Martin Short (L-R) posed for pictures together as they both rocked black tuxedo and matching leather loafers

Impressive career: Short most recently appeared in Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez

Impressive career: Short most recently appeared in Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez

Honored: Michaels couldn't contain his excitement as he smiled brightly at photographers on his big night

Honored: Michaels couldn’t contain his excitement as he smiled brightly at photographers on his big night

A legend: Lorne Michaels was honored for his contributions to American culture. Kennedy Center

A legend: Lorne Michaels was honored for his contributions to American culture. Kennedy Center 

Thompson and Martin posed for pictures together as they both rocked black tuxedo and matching leather loafers.

Michaels couldn’t contain his excitement as he smiled brightly at photographers on his big night.  

As a recipient, Midler wore a rainbow-colored ribbon around her neck that represents ‘a spectrum of many skills within the performing arts,’ creator Ivan Chermayeff told The Washington Post back in 2008.  

Radiant: As a recipient, Midler wore a rainbow-colored ribbon around her neck that 'a spectrum of many skills within the performing arts,' creator Ivan Chermayeff told The Washington Post back in 2008

Radiant: As a recipient, Midler wore a rainbow-colored ribbon around her neck that ‘a spectrum of many skills within the performing arts,’ creator Ivan Chermayeff told The Washington Post back in 2008

Beautiful: Midler wore a white gown with a gold and silver chain around her trim waist

Beautiful: Midler wore a white gown with a gold and silver chain around her trim waist

So much talent: Debbie Allen, a BFA graduate of Howard University in Theater and Classical Greek Studies, wore a black gown to receive her well-deserved tribute at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors

So much talent: Debbie Allen, a BFA graduate of Howard University in Theater and Classical Greek Studies, wore a black gown to receive her well-deserved tribute at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors

Motown founder, songwriter, producer and director Berry Gordy smiled as he raised his hands in excitement

Woo hoo! Gordy looked thrilled to be recognized for his achievements

Happy: Motown founder, songwriter, producer and director Berry Gordy smiled as he raised his hands in excitement

Debbie Allen, a BFA graduate of Howard University in Theater and Classical Greek Studies, wore a black gown to receive her well-deserved tribute at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors. 

Through her impressive career, the three-time Emmy winner has already earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has choreographed the Academy Awards ten times. 

Like Allen, Mitchell opted to wear a black gown with beautiful flowers embroidered on it.   

Over a 50 year career: Joni Mitchell opted to wear a black gown with beautiful flowers embroidered on it

Over a 50 year career: Joni Mitchell opted to wear a black gown with beautiful flowers embroidered on it

Supportive: Brandi Carlile, who performed Joni Mitchell's classic album Blue in its entirety at Carnegie Hall this fall, attended with wife Catherine Shepherd

Supportive: Brandi Carlile, who performed Joni Mitchell’s classic album Blue in its entirety at Carnegie Hall this fall, attended with wife Catherine Shepherd

Coordinating: Carlile and Carlile both wore velvet suits to the ceremony

Coordinating: Carlile and Carlile both wore velvet suits to the ceremony 

Handsome: Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock wore a black velvet jacket, black dress shirt and tie

Handsome: Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock wore a black velvet jacket, black dress shirt and tie 

Brandi Carlile, who performed Joni Mitchell’s classic album Blue in its entirety at Carnegie Hall this fall, attended with wife Catherine Shepherd.  

Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy, American tenor Matthew Polenzani and wife Rosa were also in attendance. 

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. 

Proud: Operatic bass-baritone Justino Diaz brought his daughter Natascia Diaz to the show

Proud: Operatic bass-baritone Justino Diaz brought his daughter Natascia Diaz to the show 

Star-studded night: Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy, American tenor Matthew Polenzani and wife Rosa were also in attendance

Star-studded night: Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy, American tenor Matthew Polenzani and wife Rosa were also in attendance

Elegant: Actress Barbara Hershey, whose career has spanned moer than 50 years, wore a burgundy gown with a high slit and black gloves

Elegant: Actress Barbara Hershey, whose career has spanned moer than 50 years, wore a burgundy gown with a high slit and black gloves

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. 

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.

Glamorous: Matthew Polenzani and wife Rosa looked happy in love as they wrapped their arms around each other

Glamorous: Matthew Polenzani and wife Rosa looked happy in love as they wrapped their arms around each other 

Polished: American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn and Kelly Van Horn wore sophisticated floral ensembles

Polished: American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn and Kelly Van Horn wore sophisticated floral ensembles

Posing away: Christian Van Horn and Kelly Van Horn pictured together on the red carpet

Posing away: Christian Van Horn and Kelly Van Horn pictured together on the red carpet

Better together: Christian wore a black glamorous jacket while Kelly wore a one shoulder black and red gown

Better together: Christian wore a black glamorous jacket while Kelly wore a one shoulder black and red gown

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