Conan O’Brien to Receive 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced that the esteemed 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor will be awarded to the legendary comedian Conan O’Brien. The gala performance honoring O’Brien will take place on March 23, 2025, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C.

This prestigious award, named after the iconic humorist Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—celebrates individuals whose work has made a significant impact on American society through humor, satire, and social commentary. Over the years, the Mark Twain Prize has recognized the contributions of some of the biggest names in comedy, and O’Brien’s unique blend of wit and insight has made him a fitting recipient.

Deborah F. Rutter, President of the Kennedy Center, expressed excitement about the honor, stating, “For four decades, Conan O’Brien has brought his unique blend of the smart, silly, insightful, and hilarious into our homes.” She highlighted O’Brien’s innovative career, which includes notable contributions to Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and his own late-night shows. “I look forward to honoring his immense legacy and enduring impact with an uproarious evening in the Concert Hall,” Rutter added.

O’Brien himself humorously remarked on the honor, stating, “I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot.” This lighthearted comment reflects the comedic spirit that has defined his career.

As part of the award, O’Brien will receive an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain, sculpted by Karl Gerhardt. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain Prize include comedy legends such as Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, and, most recently, Kevin Hart.

The event will be produced by David Jammy and the creative team at Done+Dusted, the Kennedy Center's longtime partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018. The gala performance will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, continuing the platform's association with this esteemed award.

The Kennedy Center, a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, serves as a vital cultural hub, hosting over 2,000 performances annually and engaging millions through its arts education initiatives. The Mark Twain Prize gala not only celebrates humor but also supports the Center's mission to make the arts accessible to all.

Ticket Information

Sponsorship packages for the Mark Twain Prize gala performance are currently available, starting at $1,500 and including a pre-performance reception, gala performance tickets, and a post-performance celebration. Interested parties can reserve their packages online or by contacting the Development Office at MarkTwainRSVP@kennedy-center.org.

Performance-only tickets will be available in limited quantities, and details will be announced in the future. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online at kennedy-center.org, or by phone at (202) 467-4600.

For more information about the Mark Twain Prize, please visit the Kennedy Center’s dedicated webpage.

As Conan O’Brien prepares to receive this illustrious award, fans and fellow comedians alike eagerly anticipate an evening of laughter, celebration, and recognition of a remarkable career that has shaped American comedy for decades.