Conan O’Brien Gets Mark Twain Prize as Kennedy Center Leadership Changes
During an emotionally charged evening, Conan O’Brien received the Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center. The March 23, 2025 ceremony happened while major changes were taking place at the famous arts venue.
The shake-up began when former President Trump kicked out the board in February, putting in new appointees. This move led to the immediate resignation of both the center’s president and board chairman.
“Twain was a patriot in the best sense of the world. He loved America, but knew it was deeply flawed. Twain wrote, ‘patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and your government when it deserves it,'” said O’Brien.
John Mulaney cracked back with humor: “It’s an honor to be here at the Kennedy Center, or as it will be known next week, the ‘Roy Cohn Pavilion for Big, Strong Men Who Love Cats.'”
This marks the 26th time the award has been given out since it started in 1998. The award took a break for two years in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID.
Even though some performers backed out because of the leadership changes, celebrities like Stephen Colbert and Sarah Silverman showed up to celebrate O’Brien. Their support helped lighten the mood during an uncertain time.
O’Brien’s award celebrates forty years of making audiences laugh. He worked his way up through writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, before hosting Late Night for 16 years and his short run on The Tonight Show.
Netflix will show the ceremony thanks to a new deal with the arts center on May 4th.
The honor puts O’Brien alongside comedy giants like Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, and Dave Chappelle – all chosen for their impact on American culture through comedy.
More changes are coming to the arts center. They’re planning to add more Broadway shows, and there’s talk about giving Kennedy Center Honors to Sylvester Stallone and Paul Anka.
