The Obamas Fete the French President With Help From Famous Friends

The president and first lady welcomed French President Francois Hollande to the White House Tuesday evening for a night of diplomatic partying. Michelle looked radiant in her Carolina Herrera ball gown, once again showing support for an American designer. The Obamas pulled out all the stops for their first state dinner in two years, calling on Chelsea Clinton's wedding planner to coordinate the logistics. They set up a huge tent on the South Lawn, where guests enjoyed the "best of American" cuisine that included caviar from Illinois, potatoes from Idaho, and dry-aged rib-eye beef from Colorado. For dessert, a Hawaiian chocolate-malted ganache was planned — and all the wines were American!

For entertainment, Mary J. Blige was set to perform, but she wasn't the only showbiz guest. Bradley Cooper, who is fluent in French thanks to time spent studying abroad, also got an invite, as did Julia Louis-Dryfus and her French-born father, billionaire William Louis-Dreyfus. At the dinner, there wasn't dancing, however, since the newly single Hollande came stag after recently weathering an affair and a breakup. Every state dinner is a major, protocol-heavy spectacle. While Bill Clinton hosted 23 and Ronald Reagan 35, Obama has only hosted six. And one planned for last year got canceled when the Brazilian president decided to skip her trip to Washington to protest NSA spying. But tonight was all about the special French and American relationship. See photos from the symbolically important event now.

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Bradley Cooper brought his girlfriend, British model Suki Waterhouse, as his date.

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Mindy Kaling and Jocelyn Leavitt made their way in.

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her father, William Louis-Dreyfus, arrived hand in hand.

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Mary J. Blige was invited to perform.

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Stephen Colbert, who famously loves to use the French pronunciation of his last name, arrived with his wife, Evie.

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Film producer and director J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath made their arrivals.

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Michelle Obama wowed in a Carolina Herrera gown upon welcoming the French president for the dinner.

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The French leader came sans date, since he just broke up with his long-term girlfriend.

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Michelle often chooses an American designer for such high-profile events.

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The three said their bonjours.

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Everyone seemed happy to be there.

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Bradley and Suki clearly enjoyed themselves.

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Bradley and Suki caught up with Secretary of State John Kerry, who is also a fluent French speaker.

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President Hollande took pride in his spot between his hosts.

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The two leaders toasted during the dinner.

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Obama applauded Hollande.

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Obama toasted with water.

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Obama addressed the dinner of 300, which was held in a tent on the South Lawn.