Conan O'Brien, a revered figure in late-night entertainment, accepted the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on March 23, 2025, during a celebratory and pointed ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event, attended by a roster of notable comedians, served not only as an homage to O'Brien's contribution to comedy but also as a platform for sharp political commentary directed at President Donald Trump, who had recently taken control of the Kennedy Center's leadership.
As O'Brien was celebrated for his comedic brilliance, many of his fellow comedians seized the opportunity to critique the current political climate. John Mulaney humorously remarked, "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 jab referenced a notorious associate of Trump and hinted at the perceived shift in the ethos of the institution under his leadership.
Stephen Colbert, known for his sharp satirical style, added his comedic twist by announcing two fictitious new board members: "Today they announced two board members: Bashar al-Assad and Skeletor." Meanwhile, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, performed by Robert Smigel, cheekily addressed the crowd, saying, "Thank you all for coming, and shame on you for being here," acknowledging the mixed feelings surrounding attendance amidst ongoing political tensions.
O'Brien's acceptance speech, while carefully crafted, took a more serious note as he reflected on the ideals of Mark Twain, emphasizing, "Twain hated bullies... He punched up, not down, and he deeply, deeply empathized with the weak." He further articulated Twain's political stances, illustrating his skepticism toward populism and the dangers of unchecked power: "Twain was suspicious of populism, jingoism, imperialism, the money-obsessed mania of the Gilded Age, and any expression of mindless American might or self-importance."
The context of O'Brien's award ceremony is crucial, as it represents the first major event at the Kennedy Center since Trump's controversial overhaul of its governance. Shortly after O'Brien was announced as this year’s honoree, Trump ousted key leadership figures, including former president Deborah Rutter and board chair David Rubenstein. Many artists have since distanced themselves from the Center, prompting a wave of cancellations and resignations.
Reflecting on this tumultuous backdrop, David Letterman remarked during the ceremony, "In history for all time, this will have been the most entertaining gathering of the resistance, ever," providing a somber yet comedic acknowledgment of the current political reality. Artists and performers have been vocal about their concerns regarding the new direction of the Kennedy Center, which they feel undermines the institution’s historical bipartisan legacy.
Adding to the evening’s festivities, Sarah Silverman humorously lamented the past, recalling, "I just really miss the days when you were America’s only orange asshole," a direct dig at Trump that elicited laughter from the audience. Will Ferrell managed to crack jokes about the urgency of the moment, explaining he almost didn't make it because he was "supposed to be shutting down the Department of Education," highlighting the absurdity present in the current administration.
The performances culminated with Adam Sandler joining O'Brien on stage, playing Neil Young’s “Rockin' in the Free World,” accompanied by a cadre of performers dressed as Mark Twain, reinforcing the joyous spirit of the night while underpinning its serious undertones.
Conan O'Brien's decision to attend and accept the award symbolizes a stance of solidarity with the artists and workers at the Kennedy Center, amidst considerable unease about its future direction. He stated, "They work hard to promote the arts, and so I want to be here in that spirit," emphasizing the importance of supporting the institution and honoring those who dedicate their lives to artistic endeavors.
As comedians and audiences alike navigate this politically charged environment through humor, the streaming of the Mark Twain Prize ceremony on Netflix on May 4 is expected to spark conversations surrounding the intersection of comedy and politics in contemporary culture. O'Brien's legacy, alongside Twain's, continues to advocate for truth-telling and the celebration of artistic expression, serving as a reminder of comedy’s power in challenging societal norms and political landscapes.
