Adam Sandler was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala Sunday hosted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Sandler, 56, received the honor for his decades of creative entertainment on television, music and film, according to a release from the Kennedy Center. Celebrities such as Conan O’Brien, Jennifer Anniston, Dana Carvey, Drew Barrymore, Luis Guzman, Rob Schneider and Steve Buscemi presented Sandler with the award, testifying to his sometimes imperfect creative output and habit of casting his friends in movies, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
Tim Herlihy, Sandler’s longtime production and writing partner, joked that together, the duo had created “31 motion pictures with a combined Rotten Tomatoes score of 59,” The AP reported. Sandler’s former roommate-turned entertainment heavyweight Judd Apatow spoke to Sandler’s youthful confidence and talent.
Sandler told The AP that the award was a “huge surprise,” in an interview shared on Twitter.
‘A HUGE SURPRISE’ – In Washington DC, Adam Sandler reacts to receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. pic.twitter.com/QVYI4kIjxL
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) March 20, 2023
“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on [Saturday Night Live],” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement. “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.”
After receiving the award, Sandler thanked his parents and siblings with “that weird irrational confidence thing that I guess I still have.” (RELATED: Hoo Boy, SNL Comedian Michael Che Says What Everyone’s Thinking About J6, Risking Massive Fallout)
After getting fired from SNL five years into his time on the cast, Sandler launched his film career. To-date, his work has grossed over $3 billion globally, The AP noted. He joins the likes of Dave Chappelle, Carol Burnett, and a slew of former SNL cast members such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Will Farrell in receiving the prestigious award.