WASHINGTON , March 20, 2023: Actor and comedian Adam Sandler became the 24th recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, at an evening event featuring stars Jennifer Aniston, Chris Rock and Conan O’Brien to celebrate his comedy and career.
Sandler, whose movies include “Spanglish,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “The Waterboy,” was celebrated for his comedic chops that, while not always winning the hearts of critics, have won over fans and generated billions of dollars.
Dressed uncharacteristically in business attire instead of his trademark shorts and T-shirt, Sandler, 56, said he thought his suit was baggy.
“I don’t know if this suit fits me or not, I just threw it on … for the second time,” he told reporters on the red carpet ahead of the show.
“But everything else … the honor itself, never thought about this in my entire life, never expected anything like this.”
Comedian Dana Carvey referred to Sandler’s longevity. “No one’s had a career like this,” Carvey told reporters ahead of the show. “Who’s lasted this long? He’s beloved.”
Sandler’s friends and acting partners, along with his mother and his wife, took to the Kennedy Center stage to gently rib the actor and highlight his development as a stand-up comic, movie actor and singer.