Wasington Party Archives - Kennedy Center Honors Brunch 2009

Sometimes this happens. Edward Norton. I think he was kidding. But I liked it.

2009. Its early Obama era, and very early in my "career" or side game, as a party photographer. The Kennedy Center Honors and the brunch preceding the big event is, as one might say, catching fish in a barrel for a photographer. They are all there, sort of primed to pose, but the beauty of the brunch is that it has a pretense of casual and intimate. Its that I stormed in and started snapping. More, I joined the party, talked to people, and then, if the moment seemed right, would take a pic or ask to take a pic. Whichever mode seemed right. Over the years I probably attended half a dozen of these brunches, thanks to George Stevens, the maestro extraordinaire of the Kennedy Center Honors. Truth told, the brunches were their best in their early years, when they were held in the Jockey Club restaurant. But when it met its untimely demise the brunch relocated to the Mandarin Oriental. Its ok, but way too bright.

John Kerry in his happy place, next to Robert DeNiro. Who can blame him?

Donald Sutherland. He later came by my restaurant for dinner.

Brilliant Brian Stokes Mitchell, being cute.

Valerie Jarrett and Ann Jordan

Mikhail Baryshnikov, elegant and handsome, and our co-host of the brunch, Liz Stevens.

Ben Bradlee, Nan and Gerald Rafshoon, and, in bright orange, Sally Quinn

Sharon Stone was a pleasure. After some party convo, I said, "I have to take your photo." She said, "Ive not got on any makeup." To which I replied, "that's why I have to take you pic."

Barbara Walters didn't know me from anyone, but I reminded her of when I was a producer for David Brinkley, at "This Week," and she'd guest on the show, and hanging out in the green room, and her being so nervous about being on the show -- which I dismissed as nonsense. A pro. She came with an entourage but all she needed was herself. She was happy to reminisce.