Over the years, the U.S. president’s annual State of the Union address has evolved from a formal event for insiders to a public spectacle.
See also: Watch Obama's State of the Union Address
Increasingly, celebrities and newsmakers attend the address, with their reactions often seen as a barometer of public reaction to the president's remarks.
We've captured in photos some poignant moments from U.S. President Barack Obama's State of the Union address this year. Check out all the highs and lows in the gallery, below:
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U.S. President Barack Obama takes a stroll outside the White House just hours before delivering his State of the Union address.
Willie Robertson (right), one of the stars of hit reality-TV show Duck Dynasty, alongside his wife Korie, mugs for the cameras just prior to Obama's speech.
Duck Dynasty reality-show star Willie Robertson (center) finds a fan in Republican Representative from Wisconsin and former vice-presidential candidate, Paul Ryan (right).
Vice President Joe Biden (left) playfully adjusts Speaker of the House John Boehner's tie, as they prepare for Obama's arrival.
Obama arrives to deliver the 2014 State of the Union address surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.
Obama greets Secretary of State John Kerry.
President Obama greets frequent political rival Speaker of the House Boehner (right).
Obama delivers his remarks, as Vice President Biden (left) and Speaker of the House Boehner (right) look on.
Obama outlines his vision for the coming year in his 2014 State of the Union address.