The Year in Bows

Following the Royal Variety Performance concert on December 7, America's enigmatic pop princess paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Leon Neal / Press Association / AP Photo

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The president stirred controversy when he bowed before Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in November.

Charles Dharapak / AP Photo

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The Dalai Lama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bowed to each other during the International Campaign for Tibet "Light of Truth" Awards in October.

Kris Connor / Getty Images

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Andy Roddick of the U.S. showed that he was not worthy of Will Ferrell (getting a high-five from Serena Williams) during the Arthur Ashe Kids Day before the U.S. Open in August.

Timothy A. Clary / AFP / Getty Images

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Before baseball's All-Star Game in July, Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki greeted the president at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

David Bergman / Sports Illustrated / Getty Images

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The president and first lady Michelle Obama, meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, in July.

Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP Photo

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Sharon Stone thanks the crowd before a screening of Inglourious Basterds at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Anne - Christine Poujoulat / AFP / Getty Images

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While promoting Angels & Demons in Tokyo in May, Tom Hanks bowed to his costar, Ayelet Zurer.

Katsumi Kasahara / AP Photo

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King Juan Carlos of Spain kisses Carla Bruni's hand during a visit to the Prado Museum in April as her husband, Nicolas Sarkozy looks on.

Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

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French President Nicolas Sarkozy returns the favor and kisses Queen Sofia of Spain at La Zarzuela Palace in April.

Sipa Press / AP Photo

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Two bison lock horns in February 17 in the Bialowieza National Park.

Grezegorz Jakubowski / AFP / Getty Images