White House State Dinner Sees British A-List, George Clooney

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, March 15, 2012

The White House State Dinner saw many big names arrive at Wednesday's event in Washington, D.C.

Among the 362 invitees was Oscar-winning actor George Clooney, who has taken on human rights activism in the Sudan. The actor was placed at the VIP table and sat next to First Lady Michelle Obama, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Many of the night's guests included important figures in Hollywood, including director Harvey Weinstein, who is a major supporter of Obama.

The U.K.'s Prime Minister David Cameron also attended, along with his wife Samantha. Other British stars at the dinner were "Downton Abbey" actors Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth Lee McGovern, as well as Idris Elba of "The Wire."

Addressing President Obama, Cameron said, "Barack, it is an honor to call you an ally, a partner, and a friend," as he toasted the U.S. leader. "It is a pleasure to work with someone with the moral strength, with clear reason and with fundamental decency in this task of renewing our great national alliance for today and for the generations to follow."

Additionally, the star of President Obama's favorite show, "Homeland," Damian Lewis, was also present. He was joined by his actress wife Helen McRory of "Harry Potter."

When reporters informed Lewis of Obama's affinity for "Homeland," the actor asked "When does he have time to watch TV?" according to The Washington Post.

"That's what I am going to ask him," added Lewis ahead of the dinner.

For dinner, the guests enjoyed a four-course meal of crisped halibut, salad greens from the White House garden, Bison Wellington, and a British favorite, warm lemon pudding.

The fundraising event for President Obama saw performances by John Legend as well as Mumford & Sons following the meal.

"Heading to DC for the State Dinner with Great Britain at the White House. Me & Mumford & Sons performing tonight!" Grammy Award-winning Legend posted on Twitter.

The First Lady donned an off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown as she hosted the guests Wednesday evening.

The designer of the gown, Georgina Chapman, also attended the dinner along with her husband, the aforementioned Weinstein.