Bill Maher ontvangt Mark Twain Prize voor Amerikaanse humor tijdens gala in Kennedy Center

Comedycollega's en politieke stemmen eren de Real Time-presentator terwijl controverses over het leiderschap van het centrum en renovaties aanhouden

Veteran comedian and Bill Maher host accepted the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday evening at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington. The gala drew laughter and tributes from a roster of comedy and media figures despite swirling political tensions around the event.

Comedy Colleagues Deliver Roasts and Praise

Whitney Cummings opened the program with a pointed roast, noting Maher's "very committed, very toxic relationship with the United States" and calling him a "warrior for free speech — especially when someone is mid-sentence." Woody Harrelson offered warmer remarks and highlighted the marijuana dispensary he co-owns with Maher. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith recalled appearing on Maher's podcast while under the influence, and Jay Leno told the honoree, "You are what you smoke."

John Mellencamp performed live, rounding out the evening's entertainment. Leno presented the award to his longtime friend, after which impersonator Matt Friend briefly interrupted in a Trump-like voice before joining Maher for onstage banter.

Maher Reflects on Career and Free Speech

On the red carpet, Maher compared himself to Mark Twain. Onstage he discussed his decades dissecting social issues and current events on HBO, his approach to skewering power regardless of party, and his gratitude toward critics. He likened himself to Toto in The Wizard of Oz for exposing phonies. Maher largely avoided direct attacks on the current administration during his remarks.

Controversy Over Award Selection and Venue Future

Earlier this year reports suggested the Trump administration opposed Maher's selection. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reports fake news and stated Maher would not receive the award. The Kennedy Center quickly confirmed the honor would proceed. Trump remains the center's chairman and has pursued efforts to add his name to the venue and close it for renovations starting July 5. A federal judge blocked those plans in May, a decision now under appeal.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose wife serves on the board, said the board should decide the building's fate while noting Trump's role as "builder in chief." The center's schedule after the Twain event is thin, with limited performances and outdoor films planned.

Maher's Long Career and Recent Ventures

Maher began stand-up in 1979 and hosted Politically Incorrect from 1993 to 2002 before launching Real Time more than two decades ago. He has earned 42 Emmy nominations, written five books including the recent What This Comedian Said Will Shock You, and started the Club Random podcast in 2022. Only one senator, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, attended the ceremony.

I don’t know why people were talking about algae… things are much more important to focus on than the name on building here. And I would never boycott the center.

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator, Red carpet remarks at the Mark Twain Prize event

Previous Twain Prize Recipients and Upcoming Broadcast

Past recipients include Conan O'Brien, Dave Chappelle, Will Ferrell, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jon Stewart. The ceremony will stream on Netflix on July 21.