For attendees of the vibrant Washington social scene leading up to the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, knowing a few essentials is beneficial: expect delightful canapés and cocktails, perhaps an occasional shattered glass at pre-dinner parties; numerous television anchors, reporters, and commentators discussing current events; and, naturally, the inevitable encounter with Bill Nye, the science communicator.
Bill Nye, a resident of Georgetown and a friendly proponent of science, was a consistent presence at the events leading up to Saturday’s dinner, which has faced various unconventional changes.
First came the unsurprising announcement that the Trump administration, including the president, would not participate in the event. Then, the planned host, comedian Amber Ruffin, canceled her appearance after the association chose to shift focus from “the politics of division” to celebrating journalism, which sounds commendable but may lack the comedic flair.
However, an unexpected twist unfolded: instead of being dull, the parties flourished, transforming into a full schedule of breakfasts, brunches, and lively gatherings from morning until midnight.
Tammy Haddad, a media consultant who co-hosted two events, pointed out an increase in parties this year, noting that “politics have overtaken media” as newer outlets challenge established publications.
“There are now chances for regular individuals with political opinions to elevate their voices,” Ms. Haddad remarked. “That’s why they’re attending.”
Genuine celebrities were scarce, a stark contrast to last year when Colin Jost from “Saturday Night Live” headlined the dinner alongside his wife, Scarlett Johansson. The closest brush with fame occurred when Jason Isaacs, a cast member from “The White Lotus,” arrived at a United Talent Agency event on Friday.
Mr. Isaacs mentioned he was in Washington as part of a group of actors advocating for continued funding of the National Endowment for the Arts. “No one is certain about what will happen to it,” he stated.
This sentiment also resonated with the ongoing complexities in “The White Lotus” narrative—or the dynamic between the Washington press corps and the White House during President Trump’s initial hundred days.
Bill de Blasio, the former mayor of New York City, expressed optimism for his fellow Democrats during a gala hosted by Semafor, a media startup, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
“I believe this weekend will be a turning point, a moment for people to regain their spirit,” Mr. de Blasio asserted.
He stood alongside his girlfriend, Nomiki Konst, a political commentator and activist. “People are seeking alliances,” she remarked.
With a guest list of 1,000, the Semafor event aligned with its World Economy Summit, gathering business leaders. The event featured CNN personalities such as Wolf Blitzer and Dana Bash, alongside Mr. Nye, who was busy taking selfies with attendees.
Ben Smith, Semafor’s editor-in-chief, articulated the confusion among attendees in a transformed Washington. “Many here are simply searching for someone who can clarify the situation,” he noted.
Mr. Nye, adorned with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joseph R. Biden Jr., criticized potential NASA budget cuts. “Living in this time is extraordinary,” he remarked.
Like movie stars, officials from the administration were limited, although White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt participated in an Axios-sponsored interview. Ms. Leavitt defended the administration’s approach to the media, criticizing the White House Correspondents’ Association board for suggesting who should access the Oval Office and Air Force One.
At a Friday happy hour hosted by Crooked Media at Café Riggs, a tourist wearing a MAGA cap signed by the president stumbled to the front, hesitating before retreating. Inside, the “Pod Save America” crew enjoyed cocktails while reminiscing about their past roles writing presidential remarks for the annual dinner.
Jon Lovett, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, emphasized the importance of not allowing Trump to shape perceptions as bitter or divisive. “We need to embody joy, fun, and entertainment while remaining unafraid,” he stated.
At a Thursday night gathering at Fish Shop, a soon-to-open restaurant, the young media company Status attracted a crowd of reporters. Co-founder Oliver Darcy noted that no officials from Trump’s administration were on the guest list. “We prefer to invite those who appreciate the First Amendment,” he explained.
As attendees savored crab puffs and fried oysters, Erik Wemple, media critic for The Washington Post, described the room full of reporters as “a target-rich environment.”
“People come to gossip,” Mr. Wemple stated, labeling the atmosphere “extremely clubby” and adding, “If you’re a media critic and you fail to show up at a few of these events, you’re not fulfilling your duties.”
Another Thursday gathering at Vital Voices, advocating for female leadership, honored the International Women’s Media Foundation, which supports women journalists. In a high-rise venue, Jen Psaki, the MSNBC host and ex-press secretary for Biden, expressed her disappointment over Trump’s absence from the dinner.
“It’s essential to demonstrate that you can take a joke,” she emphasized. “And to honor those who mock you and those who criticize you.”
At a Friday event at City Tavern, Roger Lynch, the CEO of Condé Nast, observed a headline on his phone regarding a movement by Attorney General Pam Bondi to strip away press protections. (Mr. Nye was in attendance here as well.)
When asked if this was a suitable time for festivities, Mr. Lynch responded.
“It’s precisely the right moment,” he replied. “It’s crucial that our journalists covering D.C. feel supported and protected.”
At the U.T.A. party, a late-night gathering at Osteria Mozza, a spacious Italian restaurant in Georgetown, attendees from various other parties mingled once more, testing the conversational skills of even the most seasoned networkers.
CNN host Jake Tapper described the current climate in journalism as “unsettled and unsettling,” referencing the resignation of Bill Owens, the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” due to disagreements over journalistic independence.
“I’m uncertain about what merits celebration,” Mr. Tapper remarked.
Mr. Isaacs arrived with fellow actor Michael Chiklis. A handful of elected officials trickled in, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, who acknowledged that most politicians often feel dissatisfied with their media portrayal.
“But it’s crucial to report,” she stated. “And respect the press’s right to report.”
Naturally, Mr. Nye was present as well.