WASHINGTON – A powerhouse lineup of Hollywood, diplomacy and big business made the guest list for President Barack Obama’s lavish dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

From “Empire” creator Lee Daniels to Disney CEO Bob Iger, from diplo-eminence Henry Kissinger to uber-philanthropist David Rubenstein, the attendees represented the Obamas’ effort to bring together an A-team of luminaries for Xi at the culminating event of Friday’s daylong state visit.

Others making the cut included ballerina Misty Copeland, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.

First through the receiving line were former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and her dad. Faced with the fashion-forward question “What are you wearing?” Chao seemed momentarily stumped.

“Oh my gosh,” she stammered. “It’s something very inexpensive.”

First lady Michelle Obama arrived in a black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown created by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang.

Katzenberg was asked whether tonight about business or fun.

“Fun – I hope,” he declared.

After a tense day of meetings, there’s nothing like unwinding over a good meal – even if it’s for a black-tie cast of 200 or so.

That’s what White House party planners had in mind for Obama and Xi: The decor for the big East Room spread included a 16-foot silk scroll depicting two roses that the White House says are meant to symbolize “a complete meeting of the minds.”

That may have been somewhat aspirational, given the sharp differences between the U.S. and China on a range of issues.

For guests lucky enough to be invited to such an opulent and exclusive East Room event, though, policy clashes may well be beside the point. They’re there for fine food (Colorado lamb and Maine lobster), good entertainment (R&B singer Ne-Yo), and a chance to soak in the best the White House has to offer.

Daniels said he was bringing his mom as his date.