Oscar The Grouch cozies up to Glenn Close

Keeping order amongst the rambunctious Muppets were the Workshop’s founder (and event co-chair) Joan Ganz Cooney, with its president, Gary Knell. Meanwhile, Sesame Street’s longtime friend Glenn Close handed Kofi Annan a special award (which cited his positive impact on children around the world) while the immortal crooner Tony Bennett joined the Sesame Street Muppets for a remarkable performance we won’t soon forget!

This irreplaceable institution has, for over three decades, undoubtedly improved the early learning skills of at least a billion children all over the world! How about an “Elmo Award” for them?