Oskar Eustis, artistic director of The Public Theater, emceed the evening, which featured readings and performances that highlighted voices from screen, stage, music and literature of the era.
Performers included Tom Hanks, Patricia Clarkson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Martha Plimpton, Ari Graynor, playwright Tony Kushner and poet Paul Muldoon. Singer-comedienne Nellie McKay will perform classic songs by Doris Day.
Jane and Morley Safer were Benefit Chairs; Morley Safer presented the Janus Prize to historian Kevin Phillips.
