²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp Mark Twain Prize
Honoring those who shaped American culture through humor
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.
Production Information
Looking Back at the Prize
The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception.
Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018), Dave Chappelle (2019), Jon Stewart (2022), Adam Sandler (2023) and Kevin Hart (2024).
Explore previous honorees below.
Watch Acceptance Speeches
Kevin Hart acceptance speech
Kevin Hart acceptance speech
Adam Sandler acceptance speech
Adam Sandler acceptance speech
Jon Stewart acceptance speech
Jon Stewart acceptance speech
Dave Chappelle acceptance speech
Dave Chappelle acceptance speech
Highlights From Past Shows
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Past Recipients
*2009 Bill Cosby; rescinded in 2018
Sponsors
Official Airline of the Mark Twain Prize
United Airlines
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Comedy at the Kennedy Center
Tragedy + Time:
Michael Cruz Kayne: Sorry for Your Loss
Michael Cruz Kayne: Sorry for Your Loss
Sat. Jan. 25, 2025
The comedian and writer from The Late Show presents a hilarious, difficult, and touching show about grief. If everyone dies, why does nobody talk about it?
Stamptown proudly presents
Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour
Thu. Jan. 30, 2025
After a seven-week run Off Broadway in NYC with four extensions, an international tour, and a New York Times Critic’s Pick, the bad boy of clown Zach Zucker arrives in D.C. with his award-winning alter-ego: Jack Tucker.
Megan Gailey
Sat. Feb. 8, 2025
Megan Gailey is a writer, actor, and comedian, originally from Indiana and now based in Los Angeles. Her credits include WGA Award–nominated series Pause with Sam Jay for HBO, and the ESPY Awards. Now see her new stand-up in the intimate Club at Studio K!
Shear Madness
Jan. 28 - Oct. 5, 2025
Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington’s hilarious whodunit. After more than 17,800 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.
All ages welcomed, recommended for 13+
