White House State Dinner Hosts Hollywood Stars, George Clooney Sits Next to Michelle Obama

Despite his political activism, George Clooney says he's never going to run for office. And why should he? He's already got the best seat in the White House.

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The Oscar-winning actor, who went to Washington on Wednesday to testify to the Senate about human rights violations in the Sudan, put on a tuxedo and joined the A-list guest list at the State Dinner given in honor of visiting UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Clooney was placed at the VIP table, and sat next to First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore an off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown. On the other side of the FIrst Lady sat Cameron, who had President Obama to his left.

The Prime Minister's wife, Samantha Cameron, sat next to the President, while Damian Lewis, the star of Homeland, one of Obama's favorite shows, sat directly across from her. Lewis was joined by his wife, actress Helen McRory, who starred in the Harry Potter films. Other British stars included Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville.

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Hollywood had a fair number of representatives at the 362-person dinner. Major Obama supporter Harvey Weinstein, who co-hosted a fundraiser for the President at the beginning of the month, was also in attendance; he will present a screening of the documentary Bully to Washington-area teachers, principles and education advocates later today.

Idris Elba, the British actor who starred in another one of Obama's favorite shows, The Wire, was in attendance, as was his co-star on the series, Wendell Pierce, who attended with PBS anchor Gwen Iffil. 

British billionaire Richard Branson made the guest list, as did his American deep-pocketed counterpart, Warren Buffet.

Providing entertainment on the night were John Legend and, at the invitation of Cameron, British folk band Mumford & Sons. Joining Marcus Mumford, the band's lead singer, was his fiancee, actress Carey Mulligan.

The guests were treated not only to Grammy-caliber music but a fine feast as well, with many of the ingredients and dishes derived from the First Lady's White House garden.