Adam Sandler Named the Recipient of the 24th Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Adam Sandler will be receiving the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

This prestigious award is named after 19th-century novelist Mark Twain (or Samuel Clemens) and intends to honor and promote the legacy of this humorist. This prize aims to give recognition to artists who have impacted American society in similar ways as Twain. 

Among all Hollywood comedians today, Sandler is perhaps one of the most deserving candidates for this prize. With 57 movies under his belt, the actor has achieved worldwide box office success, earning more than $3 billion globally. Adam’s career was a slow but sure progression, with each movie and character he portrayed becoming incredibly popular and beloved. He is one of the most respected and one of the most quoted comedians today.

Sandler has starred in countless comedy films, with some of the most popular being Big Daddy, Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, Click, and Zohan. 

With the Mark Twain Prize, Sandler will cement his legacy of entertaining people and making them laugh for decades. The 46-year-old A-list funnyman, who recently recovered from hip surgery, will be the 24th person to receive the award. 

Deborah F. Rutter, the president of the Kennedy Center, said, “Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL. 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.”

Adam made his explosive debut on SNL in 1990 when he was just 23 years old. Since then, he has built his thriving career as a comedy star and amassed a loyal fan base. The Wedding Singer actor established his name by portraying relatable and memorable characters that also won the hearts of not just the audience but also of review critics.

Over the years, Sandler has been honored with numerous nominations and awards, including more than 100 nominations for both his films and acting as well as over 40 wins. 

In recent years, however, Sandler has been reinventing himself and moving away from his comedic roles. He is no longer just a comedy actor but also one you’d also take seriously. Sandler in dramatic roles has been a revelation. His recent Netflix movie Hustle, for example, has been receiving rave reviews from fans and critics alike.

Sandler shared a beautiful marriage with his wife Jackie for almost 20 years, and together they have two daughters, 16-year-old Sadie and 14-year-old Sunny.

At the Kennedy Center gala, Sandler will be presented with a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain that Karl Gerhardt (1853–1940) sculpted. Adam will be joining the ranks of comedy legends, such as Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Fey, and Lily Tomlin.