The scene at a party hosted by Creative Artists Agency in Washington, DC, marked the beginning of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner weekend. The weekend culminates in the “nerd prom,” a banquet at the Washington Hilton Hotel where President Biden and Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live” are expected to deliver humorous speeches. Despite the serious events happening in the world, journalists and political figures are eager to set aside politics and celebrate at various receptions and parties throughout April.
The CAA party, honoring Colin Jost, saw guests mingling, applying temporary tattoos, and enjoying the ambiance of La Grande Boucherie, a stately two-story restaurant. Among the attendees were notable figures like second gentleman Doug Emhoff, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and Hollywood actors such as Scarlett Johansson and Chris Pine. Amidst the socializing and celebration, conversations about journalism challenges like layoffs and the jailing of a journalist in Russia were also present, reminding guests of the responsibilities tied to their roles.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday with a reception hosted by Politico at the British ambassador’s residence, where guests enjoyed the luxurious setting and exchanged pleasantries. Amid the celebrations, the somber realities of the world were not forgotten, with reminders of aid workers killed in Gaza offering a sobering counterpoint to the festivities. The emergence of digital news start-ups brought a new dynamic to the weekend, with high-profile guests engaging in discussions on various topics, including TikTok and misinformation.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a party hosted by Puck and William Morris Endeavor at the Riggs Washington D.C. hotel, where guests could enjoy a blend of entertainment, intellectual discussions, and socializing. The party featured live interviews, selfie kiosks, and notable figures like Aaron Sorkin and Joanna Coles. As the night progressed, the social energy seemed to have rebounded from its Covid-era lull, with guests enjoying the reunion-like atmosphere and the opportunity to reconnect and network.
The social whirl continued the following night with a party for digital news outlet Semafor at a private home in Kalorama, under the watchful eye of Secret Service agents. Hosted by Justin Smith and Ben Smith, the party brought together media executives, journalists, and other attendees eager to celebrate and network. Amidst the festivities, concerns about rising misinformation, bias, and polarization in the news media were on the minds of some guests, highlighting the challenges facing the industry in the lead-up to the presidential election.
Overall, the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner weekend provided a mix of celebration, reflection, and engaging discussions on pressing issues facing the media industry. From glamorous receptions to intimate gatherings, the weekend showcased the unique blend of glamour and sobriety that characterizes the intersection of politics, journalism, and entertainment in Washington, DC. As guests navigated the social scene, they also grappled with the responsibilities and complexities that come with their roles as influencers and observers of the world’s events.
