Comedian Conan O'Brien walks out on stage at the start of the 25th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Celebrating Conan O'Brien, Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. (AP Photo)
Comedy legend Conan O’Brien took center stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday night, receiving the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The night was filled with laughter and tributes, but an undeniable tension lingered over the event due to recent political upheaval at the Kennedy Center.
A Night of Laughter and Uncertainty
O’Brien, 61, was announced as the 26th recipient of the award in January, just weeks before Donald Trump removed longtime Kennedy Center leaders Deborah Rutter and David Rubenstein, replacing the board with his loyalists and appointing himself as chairman. The sudden shake-up left many questioning the future of the institution.
While accepting the award, O’Brien acknowledged the uncertainty, offering a heartfelt thanks to both Rutter and Rubenstein. The audience responded with prolonged applause, showing their support for the ousted leaders. He also recognized the hardworking Kennedy Center staff, many of whom are now left wondering what lies ahead.
Honoring Twain’s Legacy
During his speech, O’Brien reflected on Mark Twain’s fearless approach to comedy.
"Twain hated bullies. He punched up, not down, and deeply empathized with the weak," he said.
His words seemed particularly relevant in today’s political climate.
In a lighthearted twist, a Mark Twain impersonator emerged from the audience, engaging in a comedic exchange with O’Brien before slow-dancing with him on stage. Soon after, a dozen more Twain lookalikes joined in, along with previous Twain Prize recipient Adam Sandler, for a lively rendition of Neil Young’s "Rockin’ in the Free World."
Comedians Address the Elephant in the Room
While the night celebrated O’Brien’s legendary career, many couldn’t ignore the ongoing turmoil at the Kennedy Center.
On the red carpet, comedian Nikki Glaser remarked,
"It’s in the air tonight. This night is about Conan, but it can be both."
Once the ceremony began, Stephen Colbert, John Mulaney, and Sarah Silverman all took jabs at Trump’s takeover. Colbert joked that new board members included Syria’s ousted president Bashar Assad and Skeletor, while Mulaney quipped that the Kennedy Center might soon be renamed after Trump’s mentor, Roy Cohn. Silverman took the humor a step further with remarks deemed too explicit to print.
O’Brien’s Comedy Legacy
Despite the controversy, the night remained a celebration of O’Brien’s decades-long impact on comedy.
After starting as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, O’Brien rose to fame in 1993 as the surprise pick to replace David Letterman on Late Night. He went on to host the show for 16 years, later taking over The Tonight Show—a role that ended in a dramatic network fallout.
Following his high-profile NBC exit, O’Brien built a new empire on TBS, successful podcasts, and travel shows. His recent hosting of the Academy Awards was so well received that producers have already invited him back for next year. His travel series, Conan O’Brien Must Go, has also been a hit, with a second season on the way.
Protests and Artistic Resistance
Trump’s leadership shift at the Kennedy Center has sparked backlash from the arts community. The producers of Hamilton and actress Issa Rae have already canceled their scheduled appearances at the venue.
Others have chosen to use their platform. Comedian W. Kamau Bell openly addressed the controversy in his recent set, and cellist Erin Murphy Snedecor closed a performance with Woody Guthrie’s protest anthem, All You Fascists Bound to Lose.
A Star-Studded Legacy
O’Brien joins an elite list of comedy icons who have received the Mark Twain Prize, including Letterman, Jay Leno, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, and Dave Chappelle.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Kennedy Center, O’Brien’s honor served as a reminder of comedy’s enduring power. The event, filled with both celebration and defiance, will be streamed on Netflix on May 4.
