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Conan O'Brien Honored with Mark Twain Prize as Kennedy Center Faces Leadership Turmoil

The ceremony celebrated O'Brien's comedic legacy while addressing political tensions following Trump's controversial takeover of the institution.

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TV personality Conan O'Brien speaks onstage during the 2015 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute Honoring Steve Martin at the Dolby Theatre on June 4, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
Show host Conan O'Brien speaks during the start of the Oscars show at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

Overview

  • Conan O'Brien received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center, recognizing his decades-long career in comedy and television.
  • The event occurred under the shadow of President Donald Trump's recent dismissal of the Kennedy Center's leadership and his self-appointment as chairman.
  • Comedians at the ceremony used humor to critique the leadership changes, with pointed jokes about Trump's influence on the arts institution.
  • O'Brien acknowledged the contributions of the ousted leadership in his acceptance speech and expressed concerns about the Kennedy Center's future direction.
  • The ceremony, which featured tributes from comedy legends, will be streamed on Netflix at a later date.