Kennedy Center Honors ceremony returns to pay tribute to Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, Joni Mitchell, Lorne Michaels and Justino Diaz

The 44th Kennedy Center Honors returned to traditions this year, to honor artists for their contributions to American culture.

The awards were presented last night in Washington, after changes and delays to last year's plans because of the pandemic. President Joe Biden joined the celebration, after former President Donald Trump skipped the ceremony for all four years in the White House.

Rock journalist and director Cameron Crowe paid tribute to honoree singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. "For any mood or emotional crossroad where you might find yourself, there is a Joni Mitchell song," he said.