A White House correspondents’ dinner that lacks the traditional comedy act doesn’t necessarily translate to a more somber-than-usual evening. In 2019, the historian Ron Chernow gave a lecture and everyone had a pretty decent time; in 2003, Ray Charles sang instead. Hard to imagine that was anything less than a treat for guests.
But at the 2025 White House correspondents’ dinner, which took place against the backdrop of a Washington in turmoil, the vibes were in fact a little off. The red-carpet fashion statements — and the celebrity attendance — were similarly half-hearted.
Jason Isaacs, fresh off a memorably stressed-out performance on HBO’s “The White Lotus,” looked less so on Saturday, showing off an all-black ensemble and some surprisingly fancy footwork ahead of the dinner.
White House Correspondents’ Association president Eugene Daniels and his husband, Nate Stephens, attended in white and black tuxes, respectively, while libertarian commentator Kennedy went a more colorful route, in a bubblegum-hued gown with a headpiece to match.
Joanna Coles, chief creative and content officer for the Daily Beast, added some much-needed sparkle to the red carpet with her metallic blazer and shoes.
Republican strategist and MSNBC frequenter Scott Jennings followed Coles’s lead and went the shiny route with his three-piece tux.
Former deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley’s footwear choice was one of the few surprises of the early evening: Gidley wore what looked to be black ballet flats with a bow on each toe.
Leo Braudy, a participant on the Washington edition of “Love Is Blind,” wore the accessory he talked the most about on the show: his Rolex watch.
In another daring footwear move, the original Wonder Woman came to the dinner and revealed she’d paired her gown with comfy slip-ons.
Dean Norris, America’s favorite TV cop, reached for a different kind of uniform on Saturday: the classic black and white tuxedo.
Actress Alex Borstein’s peekaboo gown in blue velvet stood out as one of the evening’s more dramatic color choices.
