President Barack Obama played host to some of Hollywood's elites on Tuesday evening (Feb 18th).

The White House opened its East Wing theatre to the cast and crew of George Clooney's new WWII comedy-drama 'The Monuments Men.'

This is the first movie screening in the famed Washington D.C. building since the President announced a moratorium this past November (2013).

So why does Clooney and his Oscar snubbed film get special treatment?

The 52 year-old actor, who is a supporter of Obama, is currently in the President's good books after organising a fundraiser for his re-election campaign, which raised almost $15 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film is adapted from Robert E. Edsel's book 'The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History.'

It follows an army platoon, consisting of seven handpicked museum directors, curators, and art historians, whose mission is to enter Germany with the aid of allied forces, towards the end of WWII, to rescue priceless artwork stolen by the Nazis, and save it from damage or destruction.

The seven individuals are based on the true story of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, who as well as were tasked with retrieving stolen art, were also responsible for safeguarding cultural and historic monuments.

Clooney, who directs and produces the motion picture, heads the ensemble cast which includes, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Kate Blanchett, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonnerville and Bob Balan.

'The Monuments Men' has split critics since its release and finished in second place on its opening weekend, falling behind 'The Lego Movie' on its opening weekend.

Watch the trailer for 'The Monuments Men' here