December 29^th, 2015 was a huge night for Americans and, even with the Obamas in attendance, politics were not the topic of the night. No one spoke of wars, gun laws, or universal healthcare. The night was about pride, love, honor, and, most importantly, the guests! Honorees include Rite Moreno, Seiji Ozawa, George Lucas, Carole King, and Cicely Tyson.

A few days before the new year, The Kennedy Center awarded several honorees for whom their lifelong work was deserving of praise.The biggest names in entertainment were being honored by none other than some of the biggest names in showbiz. The night unfolded with splashy new effects to heartfelt tributes.

Actress and singer Rita Moreno was the first Latin woman to win an Academy Award and one of only a handful of entertainers to receive an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. Legendary conductor Seiji Ozawa led the Boston symphony Orchestra for nearly three decades. Directors Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese appeared in person to salute Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator, George Lucas.

Words of gratitude were also expressed for the 90-years-young award winning actress, Cicely Tyson. “I would not exist if it weren’t for Cicely Tyson,” said actress Kerry Washington. “She has taught me so much about how to be who I am in this business and in this life.” Director Tyler Perry says, “For her to have this honor after all these years, it is really really amazing.”

For singer and composer Carol King there was a salute from the cast of "Beautiful." Chilina Kennedy, the star of the Carol King musical, said, “It is truly a dream role. She is such a warm, wonderful person and her life story, I mean really, you could write four musicals based on her life alone.” Click here to see Carole King. Although the show was about the honorees, all that anybody could talk about in the following days was the heart-pounding performance from musical royalty, Aretha Franklin. From the video on The Wall Street Journal , when Franklin took the stage her very presence grasped the heart of Carole King. When she began to sing it was evident that King was honored and moved by her words floating from the lips of another legend. The President himself was moved at the vocal quality that escaped Ms. Franklin. Viola Davis sat center in the balcony and she stood and clapped and screamed at the power that was erupting on stage. Franklin’s performance shook the center and ended the night with heartfelt tears and immortal bliss.