The entertainment industry always has a few standout stars whose vision and innovations impact the world of media in such a way that the standards for film, television, and digital arts will never be the same. Each year the Museum of the Moving Image pays homage to these luminaries, and this year honors Matt Lauer and Debra Lee at the St. Regis.

Special guest Darrell Hammond joined Reginald Hudlin and Star Jones Reynolds (who toasted Debra Lee) and Bryant Gumbel and Tim Russert (toasting Lauer) to salute the careers of these pioneering powerhouses.

When Lauer took the mic, he recounted his first day at the hallowed halls of 30 Rock with a bit of bathroom humor, engaging the audience with an amusing tale about an encounter that left overflowing toilet water surrounding Tom Brokaw's penny loafers. An unusual start to a now 15-year career.

Well-wishers included: Meredith Vieira, Annette Lauer, Hilary and Bryant Gumbel, Caryn and Jeff Zucker, Philippe and Debbie Dauman, Matt Blank, and Bill Bolster.