Conan O’Brien Honored with Mark Twain Prize as Comedians Critique Trump’s Kennedy Center Overhaul

The ceremony celebrated O’Brien’s comedic legacy while addressing political tensions following President Trump’s controversial leadership changes at the Kennedy Center.

Conan O’Brien received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center, recognizing his lifetime contributions to comedy.
The event featured tributes and performances by prominent comedians, including Sarah Silverman, Will Ferrell, and Stephen Colbert, many of whom used humor to criticize President Trump’s recent takeover of the Kennedy Center.
Trump’s February leadership shake-up at the Kennedy Center, which included firing its board and naming himself chairman, has sparked protests and cancellations by several artists.
In his acceptance speech, O’Brien emphasized Mark Twain’s values of empathy, criticism of power, and patriotism, resonating with the evening’s broader themes of resistance and artistic freedom.
The ceremony, marked by sharp political commentary, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting May 4, 2025.