The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner is an annual event held in Washington D.C. that dates back to 1921. It raises funds for the WHCA, an organization of journalists that covers the White House and awards reporters and photographers for their work. The event, which is held on the last Saturday in April, also provides scholarships to students in college journalism programs. Similar to the Oscars or the Met Gala, the WHCA Dinner attracts celebrities and politicians, adding star power to the evening.
This year’s WHCA Dinner saw Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost serving as co-host alongside President Joe Biden. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Brosnahan, and Sophia Bush walked the red carpet in stunning designer gowns, while famous journalists like Wolf Blitzer and Gayle King mingled with the crowd. The event took place at the Washington Hilton, where about 2,600 guests were seated for dinner, with all eyes on Biden, Jost, Kamala Harris, and other VIPs at the main table. The event was live-streamed by several news networks, allowing viewers to feel like they were part of the action.
Attendees at the WHCA Dinner engaged in the usual Washington D.C. hobnobbing, with famous faces like Al Roker and Senator Chuck Schumer mingling with journalists and politicians. The highlight of the evening was Jost’s monologue, where he lightly roasted the president, poked fun at Congress, and joked about current affairs. President Biden also got in on the humor, joking about comedians who have portrayed him on television throughout the years. The WHCA Dinner is known for its mix of comedy and political satire, providing a lighthearted evening for guests.
The event was not without controversy, as protestors of the Israel-Hamas War demonstrated outside the Washington Hilton during the dinner. Despite the distractions outside, guests inside enjoyed a glamorous evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. The event showcased the intersection of politics, journalism, and entertainment, with a mix of celebrities, politicians, and journalists coming together to celebrate the work of the WHCA and honor the achievements of reporters and photographers over the past year.
Overall, the 2024 WHCA Dinner was a successful and memorable event, with a mix of high-profile guests, glamorous fashion, and witty humor. The evening highlighted the important work of the WHCA in covering the White House and honoring journalists for their contributions to the field. As one of Washington D.C.’s premier events, the WHCA Dinner continues to attract attention and draw a diverse crowd of attendees. With its mix of politics, entertainment, and journalism, the event remains a key fixture on the annual calendar for those in the media industry and beyond.
