Mark Twain Prize Awarded to Adam Sandler
The comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician receives the award in a laughter-filled evening bringing together the best in comedy.
The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists was awarded to Adam Sandler at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy at the Kennedy Center on March 19, 2023, and will be broadcast nationally on CNN March 26, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET.
"Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. We are looking forward to celebrating his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy and provide all the laughs."
— Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.
"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter about this year’s recipient. “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy."
The program, with music direction by Michael Bearden, pays tribute to Sandler’s humor and accomplishments, featuring a host of his admirers, friends, and collaborators. The event was taped for worldwide broadcast on CNN, airing March 26, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, presented by Wells Fargo, recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.
As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Sandler will received a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853–1940). Previous recipients can be seen by scrolling down this page.
The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998.
Needs No Introduction
Over the past 30 years Adam Sandler has enjoyed phenomenal success as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. His films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide and include box offices hits such as Grown Ups, Big Daddy, The Longest Yard, The Waterboy, and Hotel T. His films on Netflix are some of the most watched films on the streamer, including Murder Mystery, The Meyerowitz Stories, and Hubie Halloween, among many others.
Hustle, Sandler’s latest Netflix film has been called by some, the greatest sports film ever, and he has already been awarded a Gotham Award for his work as Stanley Sugerman. His role as Howard Ratner in the Safdie Bros’ critically acclaimed film Uncut Gems garnered Sandler several nominations and awards including winning the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Award.
Sandler’s work has been recognized over the years with several awards including nine People’s Choice Awards, five MTV Movie Awards, and ten Kids Choice Awards. He has also been nominated for a Golden Globe® Award, four Emmy® Awards, and three Grammy® Awards for his multiple comedy albums which have gone multi-platinum and collectively sold more than six million copies.
Sandler continues to work on music and in 2016 returned to touring and completed two sold-out comedy tours Here Comes the Funny and 100% Fresher, the latter was also filmed for his Netflix special Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh. He is currently on the road again, selling out dates all over the country.
Special Guests
A lineup of leading performers salute Adam Sandler at the 24th annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
* Jennifer Aniston -- Acclaimed actor and producer currently starring in The Morning Show.
* Judd Apatow -- Comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his comedy and drama film work.
* Drew Barrymore -- Actor, director, producer, author, and host of The Drew Barrymore Show.
* Steve Buscemi -- Actor and filmmaker who has portrayed some of the most unique characters in recent cinema.
* Dana Carvey -- A stand-up comedian, actor, impressionist, screenwriter, and producer.
* Luis Guzmán -- Film and television actor and producer.
* Tim Herlihy -- American screen actor, film producer, screenwriter, and Broadway musical bookwriter.
* Tim Meadows -- Actor, writer, and comedian who was one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live.
* Idina Menzel -- Tony-Award winning singer, actress in film and TV, a songwriter, a Broadway star, and a philanthropist.
* Conan O’Brien -- Comedian and talk show host with one of the longest tenures in late-night history.
* Chris Rock -- Comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director lauded by peers and critics alike.
* Rob Schneider -- American actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director.
* David Spade -- Multi-talented actor, stand-up comedian, television host, and writer.
* Ben Stiller -- Actor, comedian, producer, film director, and screenwriter.
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