The White House's State Dinner on Feb. 11 in honor of a visit from French President François Hollande was off to a bit of an awkward start before it began. Hollande had recently broken up with longtime partner Valérie Trierweiler after rumors began to spread that he had cheated on her with a French actress, so the White House wasn't sure who he would bring along.
He solved the problem by going stag to greet an impressive guest list of 350 actors, politicians, CEOs, media moguls and more.
See also: 10 Behind-the-Scenes Obama Photos
Comedian and television host Stephen Colbert was seated next to Michelle Obama, and actor Bradley Cooper spent time talking with Secretary of State John Kerry. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who plays a vice president on the HBO show, Veep, was seated next to actual Vice President Joe Biden, and actress Mindy Kaling was also in attendance.
Everyone was treated to a live Mary J. Blige performance and dined on quail eggs and Hawaiian chocolate-malted ganache, according to the New York Times.
“We love the United States and you love the French, but you don’t always say so because you are shy," Hollande reportedly said, through a translator.
Below, we've collected some of the best photos from the night. The full guest list is available here.
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a State Dinner at the White House on Feb. 11, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Obamas hosted Hollande for a State Dinner during the second day of the French President's three-day visit to the United States.
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama await the arrival of French President Francois Hollande for the State Dinner at the North Portico of the White House on Feb. 11 in Washington, DC.
President Barack Obama, left, smiles after toasting to French President Francois Hollande, right, at the State Dinner on Feb. 11.
CEO of SpaceX and of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, and his wife Talulah arrive at the White House.
Actor and television host Stephen Colbert, left, and Evie Colbert arrive at the White House.
A view of the table setting during a press preview in the State Dining Room of the White House
French President François Hollande, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry make a toast during a state luncheon on Feb. 11.
Singer Mary J. Blige performs on stage during the entertainment portion of the State Dinner.
Actor Bradley Cooper, left, and his guest Suki Waterhouse, center, talk with Secretary of State John Kerry, right, before taking their seats for the State Dinner.
Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, right, smiles as she takes her seat next to Vice President Joe Biden, left, at a State Dinner for French President Francois Hollande.
President Barack Obama, center, offers a toast on stage to French President Francois Hollande at the State Dinner.
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