Every December, a flurry of A-list celebrities and talent light up the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts for the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2014, the gala awarded five celebrities with a ceremonial rainbow ribbon from President Barack Obama for their lifetime contributions to American culture. Hosted by Stephen Colbert, the 2014 event celebrated a variety of iconic stars in American entertainment.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks arrived at the Kennedy Center Honors as a fine example of the right way to do men’s formal wear, wearing a black tux, white dress shirt, and black bow tie. As the star of hit films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Castaway, Hanks was applauded at the gala for his contributions to American film. Comedian and actor Martin Short kicked off a musical tribute to Hanks, with other celebrities like Steven Spielberg, director George Stevens, Jr., and TV talk show host David Letterman continuing the praise.

Sting

Singer-songwriter Sting also received notoriety at this year’s awards, arriving at the Kennedy Center celebration in a formal tux with black bow tie. His classic black tuxedo jacket was an excellent choice, and one that all men tend to their best in. His musical style, which has incorporated elements of classical, reggae, jazz, rock, and new age, supports his iconic voice which has stirred souls for years. As the lead singer of the Police and as a solo act, Sting has received numerous honors, including 16 Grammy Awards in addition to his Kennedy Center acclaim.

Al Green

As one of the main guests of honor at the award ceremony, Al Green added an additional sense of formality by opting for a white tie look with black tuxedo pants and a matching jacket. Previously named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “100 greatest artists of all time,” Green has sold over 20 million records since the 1970s, and he is known in the entertainment industry for his persistent work ethic. Jennifer Hudson, Usher, and Earth, Wind, and Fire sang a string of Green’s hits to commemorate his success in the music industry.

Patricia McBride

Patricia McBride’s career as a legendary ballerina resulted in 28 years of dancing in the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer. However, her retirement from dancing didn’t end her contributions to the American entertainment industry. Now, she continues to share her passion for dance with the world by directing the Charlotte Ballet with her husband and fellow former dancer Pierre Bonnefoux.

Lily Tomlin

As a comedian, actress, producer, and writer, Lily Tomlin has been a major force within American comedy since the 1960s. Her career as a standup comedian later resulted in film roles in 9 to 5, I Heart Huckabees, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Fellow actor Jane Fonda was among the many talents who arrived to salute Tomlin, as were country singer Reba McEntire and Saturday Night Live cast member Kat McKinnon.