Over the years, the Mark Twain Award for American Humor has gone to such luminaries as Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, and Ellen DeGeneres. Next year, it will belong to the man who made us cheer Happy Gilmour.
Adam Sandler will receive the prestigious award at a gala event on March 19, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said Tuesday.
“For more than three decades, Adam Sandler has entertained audiences with his films, music and tenure as a fan favorite on Saturday Night Live,” said Deborah Sandler, president of the Kennedy Center. Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement. “Adam creates characters that make us laugh and cry and laugh and cry.”
The 56-year-old actor and comedian starred in the popular Netflix basketball comedy Hustle this year, creating a string of entertaining films like Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, Grown Up 》, “Big Daddy”, “The Longest Yard” and “Waterboy”.
Sandler’s portrayal of Howard Ratner in “Uncut Gems” garnered multiple nominations and awards, including winning the National Board of Review and Independent Spirit Awards.