Adam Sandler honoured with Kennedy Centre's Mark Twain Prize

The comedian was praised by other talents at the event, including Jennifer Aniston, Chris Rock and Conan O'Brien

Adam Sandler during the 24th Mark Twain Prize For American Humour event at Kennedy Centre on March 19, 2023 in Washington DC. Getty Images via AFP

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler became the 24th recipient of the Kennedy Centre's Mark Twain Prize for American Humour on Sunday, at an evening event featuring stars Jennifer Aniston, Chris Rock and Conan O’Brien, to celebrate his comedy and career.

Sandler, whose movies include Spanglish, The Wedding Singer and The Waterboy, was celebrated for his comedic chops that, while not always winning the hearts of critics, have won over fans and generated billions of dollars.

Dressed uncharacteristically in business attire instead of his trademark shorts and T-shirt, Sandler, 56, said he thought his suit was baggy.

"I don't know if this suit fits me or not, I just threw it on ... for the second time," he told reporters on the red carpet ahead of the show.

"But everything else ... the honour itself, never thought about this in my entire life, never expected anything like this."

Comedian Dana Carvey referred to Sandler's longevity. "No one's had a career like this," Carvey told reporters ahead of the show. "Who's lasted this long? He's beloved."

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler gives a thumbs up during the Mark Twain Prize for American Humour ceremony at the Kennedy Centre in Washington. Reuters

Sandler and his wife Jackie arrive for the 24th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humour. AFP

Actresses Jennifer Aniston, centre, and Drew Barrymore, right, react. Reuters

Singer Idina Menzel performs. Reuters

Comedians and actors Chris Rock, Dana Carvey and Pete Davidson applaud. Reuters

US actress Barrymore. AFP

Rob Schneider and wife Patricia Azarcoya. Reuters

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul Pelosi. AFP

US TV host Conan O'Brien. AFP

Steve Buscemi and Karen Ho. Reuters

Puerto Rican actor Luis Guzman. AFP

US actor David Spade. AFP

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. AFP

US actress and singer Idina Menzel. AFP

US House Representative Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, and her husband Paul Pelosi speak with Stiller. AFP

US comedians Nikki Glaser and Ian Fidance. AFP

Sandler's friends and acting partners, along with his mother and his wife, took to the Kennedy Centre stage to gently rib the actor and highlight his development as a stand-up comic, movie actor and singer.

"You're making a terrible, terrible mistake," comedian O'Brien quipped at the top of the show to the centre for selecting Sandler, a former Saturday Night Live star.

Sandler's mother, Judy, made light of his wardrobe preferences. "I say he's a slob," she said in her own quasi- comedy routine, before praising her son. "We are so proud of him."

Comedian David Spade expressed mock awe at Sandler's box office success. "Four billion dollars in movies, with this much talent!" Spade said, with a hand gesture that suggested a minute amount.

Aniston, who appeared with Sandler in films such as Just Go with It and Netflix's Murder Mystery, praised her co-star. "Adam Sandler, you have no equal," she said.

With the White House a short distance from the Kennedy Centre, some presenters touched on politics.

Carvey did impressions of US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump, and comedian Chris Rock mentioned potential criminal charges against the Republican leader.

Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler arrive for the 24th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humour ceremony at the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts on March 19, 2023, in Washington. AP Photo

"Are you guys really going to arrest Trump?" Rock asked. "This is only going to make him more popular!"

Rock, who was slapped on stage at the Oscars in 2022 by actor Will Smith, also referred to Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was attacked by an intruder in their San Francisco home last year.

"Paul Pelosi — only guy that knows how I felt," Rock said, as the Pelosis sat in the audience.

Sandler joins the ranks of other comedians who have received the Mark Twain Prize, including Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy and Ellen DeGeneres.

The prize is named after novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. The show will be broadcast on CNN on March 26.