WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 23, 2025, comedian Conan O’Brien made headlines as he accepted the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The evening, filled with laughter and poignant tributes, also served as a backdrop to the ongoing political turmoil surrounding the cultural institution.
O’Brien, 61, was named the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize in mid-January 2025, just weeks before President Donald Trump’s controversial overhaul of the Kennedy Center's leadership. Trump ousted longtime president Deborah Rutter and board chairman David Rubenstein, replacing them with loyalists, which has left many in the arts community concerned about the future of the center.
During the award ceremony, O'Brien took a moment to acknowledge this upheaval, thanking Rutter and Rubenstein for their contributions, which drew an extended round of applause from the audience. He expressed empathy for the Kennedy Center staff, stating they were “worried about what the future might bring.”
In a heartfelt moment, O’Brien reflected on the legacy of Mark Twain, saying, “Twain hated bullies. … He punched up, not down, and he deeply empathized with the weak. Twain loved America, but he knew it was deeply flawed.” His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of humor in addressing societal issues.
The night took a lighthearted turn when a Mark Twain impersonator joined O’Brien on stage. The duo engaged in a playful exchange before being joined by a dozen more Twain impersonators and previous Twain Prize recipient Adam Sandler for a raucous rendition of Neil Young’s “Rockin in the Free World.” This musical finale capped off a night that was as celebratory as it was reflective.
As the festivities unfolded, the political climate loomed large. Comedian Stephen Colbert humorously remarked that the Kennedy Center had announced two new board members: Bashar Assad, the ousted president of Syria, and Skeletor, a fictional supervillain. John Mulaney quipped that the center would soon be renamed “the Roy Cohn Pavilion,” referencing one of Trump’s mentors, while Sarah Silverman made several off-color jokes about the former president.
Trump, in announcing the leadership changes, took to social media to assert that those dismissed “do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” Yet, what that vision entails remains uncertain. Trump has hinted at wanting to book more Broadway shows and has suggested granting Kennedy Center Honors status to celebrities like actor Sylvester Stallone and singer-songwriter Paul Anka.
Despite the political backdrop, O’Brien’s comedic style has always leaned toward the goofy and self-deprecating, though he has not shied away from addressing sensitive societal issues. Notably, in 2011, he officiated a gay wedding live on his show, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity.
O’Brien first rose to prominence in 1993 when he was selected to replace David Letterman as host of “Late Night,” despite having little on-camera experience. His tenure lasted for an impressive 16 years, making him the longest-serving host of the show. Following this, he took over “The Tonight Show,” but his time there was cut short after just seven months due to declining ratings and a highly publicized fallout with NBC. This dispute resulted in a multimillion-dollar payout for O’Brien and his staff as they exited the network in early 2010.
Since then, O'Brien has found success on TBS, hosting another talk show while also launching popular podcasts and travel shows. His recent travel series, “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” received acclaim, and he is set to return as host of the Academy Awards next year after a well-received performance.
The political tensions surrounding the Kennedy Center have not gone unnoticed by the artistic community. Following Trump’s takeover, various artists, including the producers of the hit musical “Hamilton” and actress/writer Issa Rae, have canceled their appearances at the venue. Others have opted to perform while voicing their concerns from the stage. For instance, comedian W. Kamau Bell directly addressed the controversies during his performance shortly after the leadership shake-up.
In a notable protest, cellist Erin Murphy Snedecor concluded her recent set with a performance of Woody Guthrie’s protest anthem “All You Fascists Bound to Lose,” further illustrating the ongoing dialogue about the arts and politics.
The Mark Twain Prize has been awarded to other notable figures in comedy, including previous recipients like David Letterman, Jay Leno, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, and Dave Chappelle. This year’s ceremony, celebrating O’Brien’s lifetime achievement in comedy, will be streamed on Netflix on May 4, 2025.
As O’Brien continues to navigate his career in the spotlight, the intersection of humor and politics remains a relevant theme, especially at a time when the future of the Kennedy Center hangs in the balance. The legacy of Mark Twain, with his sharp wit and keen social insights, serves as a guiding light for O’Brien and many others in the comedic realm.
