Despite what those Billy Madison reviews said, renowned pick-up basketball weapon Adam Sandler is actually pretty funny! And he's rightly about to have to clear off a spot on the mantel for his latest distinction: the actor is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor next year.
Named for the celebrated author, the Mark Twain Prize has been handed out by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since 1988 in recognition of those who have "had an impact on American society in ways similar" to its namesake. An event to bestow the high honour upon the Sandman will take place at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., on March 19.
"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favourite cast member on SNL," reads a statement from Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. "Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy."
Sandler joins the ranks of fellow awarded comedic geniuses including Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, Tiny Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lorne Michaels, Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy, Lily Tomlin and more.
The Mark Twain Prize joins the very versatile ranks of the actor's accolades, like the Independent Spirit Award he earned for 2020's Uncut Gems (read: uncle jams) and a Razzie for the supreme flop Jack and Jill. To further his range, there's Oscar buzz surrounding Sandler's performance in his recent Netflix dramedy, Hustle. We likewise await a Met Gala themed around his notably swaggy sense of style.
While the prize seems pretty intent on being distinctly American, lest we forget the Sandman's allegiance to the Milestones restaurant franchise location in Guelph, ON. Maybe their medium-cooked streak will get a shout-out in his acceptance speech?
Named for the celebrated author, the Mark Twain Prize has been handed out by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since 1988 in recognition of those who have "had an impact on American society in ways similar" to its namesake. An event to bestow the high honour upon the Sandman will take place at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C., on March 19.
"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favourite cast member on SNL," reads a statement from Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. "Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy."
Sandler joins the ranks of fellow awarded comedic geniuses including Steve Martin, Will Ferrell, Tiny Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lorne Michaels, Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy, Lily Tomlin and more.
The Mark Twain Prize joins the very versatile ranks of the actor's accolades, like the Independent Spirit Award he earned for 2020's Uncut Gems (read: uncle jams) and a Razzie for the supreme flop Jack and Jill. To further his range, there's Oscar buzz surrounding Sandler's performance in his recent Netflix dramedy, Hustle. We likewise await a Met Gala themed around his notably swaggy sense of style.
While the prize seems pretty intent on being distinctly American, lest we forget the Sandman's allegiance to the Milestones restaurant franchise location in Guelph, ON. Maybe their medium-cooked streak will get a shout-out in his acceptance speech?
