Biden’s Warning at Kennedy Center Honors: De Niro Mocks Crystal’s Age
During the annual Kennedy Center Honors, Robert De Niro stirred laughter and drew a playful finger-wagging from President Joe Biden when he poked fun at honoree Billy Crystal’s age.
De Niro, 80, jokingly remarked to Crystal, 75, that he’s just about six years away from the “perfect age to be elected president,” earning applause from the audience.
Biden’s Playful Reaction: A Presidential Warning
President Biden, seated nearby, responded by shaking his finger at De Niro, adding a lighthearted moment to the event. Earlier, at a White House reception, Biden had jestingly mentioned that Crystal had assured him not to run against him, claiming Crystal would win.
Laughter Amidst Gala: Rita Moreno’s Candid Comment
Actress Rita Moreno, 91, added to the humor when she took the stage after De Niro, declaring, “old age is so f***ing boring.” Biden burst into laughter, and Moreno, known for her role in “West Side Story,” had previously expressed her thoughts on Biden’s age, suggesting she could also be president due to her seniority.
Age and Politics: Biden’s Age Becomes a Talking Point
As concerns about Biden’s age continue to surface, particularly among Republicans, who made it an issue in the 2024 election, Moreno expressed worries about the misperception and ruthless tactics from the opposing side. Despite concerns, she noted Biden’s vibrant appearance during the White House reception.
Diverse Honorees Celebrated: Kennedy Center Honors Recap
The 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors featured a diverse set of honorees, including actor and comedian Billy Crystal, soprano Renée Fleming, British singer-songwriter Barry Gibb, rapper Queen Latifah, and singer Dionne Warwick. The gala included musical performances, tributes, and reflections on the achievements of each honoree.
Surprises and Nostalgia: Meg Ryan’s Tribute and Crystal’s Contributions
Meg Ryan surprised the audience with an appearance to honor Crystal, reminiscing about their iconic scene in “When Harry Met Sally.”
Director Rob Reiner revealed that Crystal wrote the film’s famous line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” The night celebrated Crystal’s contributions to comedy, hosting the Oscars nine times and his role in classic romantic comedies.
Musical Tributes and Humanitarian Work: Warwick, Fleming, and Gibb Honored
Musical performances highlighted the honors, with Dionne Warwick celebrated for her Grammy-winning singing career. Soprano Renée Fleming received tributes, and actress Christine Baranski acknowledged their shared experiences. Barry Gibb, known for his success with the Bee Gees, was honored with a video tribute featuring singers like Dolly Parton and Lionel Richie.
Michael Buble’s Tribute and Final Honoree: Barry Gibb
Singer Michael Buble paid tribute to Barry Gibb, recognizing his emotional intelligence and impact on humanity through his music. The evening concluded with Gibb’s performance of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”
The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on CBS on December 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, showcasing the festivities and accolades bestowed upon these influential artists.