As Kevin Hart sat in the audience with family and friends for The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize, there were many jokes about his height, quips about his wealth and jabs at his productivity.
What there was very little of was anything political, reflecting Hart’s own style that tends to avoid such topical humor.
Chris Rock did have one moment, though.
“The Mark Twain Award this year. If Trump wins, next year will be the Mark Fuhrman award,” Rock said.
As the audience laughed, Rock added, “It’s going to be nothing but banjos up there.”
He also was among the comics who did a bit of roasting of Hart. “Look at that smile,” Rock said. “You got that second wife happiness.” Hart, surrounded by his wife and kids, laughed.
Like others, though, Rock talked of Hart’s rise to become one of the most successful comedians of all time,...
What there was very little of was anything political, reflecting Hart’s own style that tends to avoid such topical humor.
Chris Rock did have one moment, though.
“The Mark Twain Award this year. If Trump wins, next year will be the Mark Fuhrman award,” Rock said.
As the audience laughed, Rock added, “It’s going to be nothing but banjos up there.”
He also was among the comics who did a bit of roasting of Hart. “Look at that smile,” Rock said. “You got that second wife happiness.” Hart, surrounded by his wife and kids, laughed.
Like others, though, Rock talked of Hart’s rise to become one of the most successful comedians of all time,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
A year after it moved from its longtime PBS home to CNN, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is switching telecast partners again. Netflix has struck a multi-year deal with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to move the Mark Twain Prize event to the streamer.
The deal begins this year, with Kevin Hart honored at the ceremony. This marks the 25th anniversary of the Mark Twain Prize, and Hart will be recognized “for his extraordinary contributions to the genre and his impressive achievements across comedy, film, and television.” This year’s event takes placeat the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, March 24, and will be taped to premiere on Netflix on Saturday, May 11 — as the Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place in Los Angeles.
Performers set for this year’s Mark Twain ceremony including Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish,...
The deal begins this year, with Kevin Hart honored at the ceremony. This marks the 25th anniversary of the Mark Twain Prize, and Hart will be recognized “for his extraordinary contributions to the genre and his impressive achievements across comedy, film, and television.” This year’s event takes placeat the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, March 24, and will be taped to premiere on Netflix on Saturday, May 11 — as the Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place in Los Angeles.
Performers set for this year’s Mark Twain ceremony including Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The newest group of Kennedy Center honorees, including comedian Billy Crystal and actor Queen Latifah, were feted Sunday night at a star-studded event commemorating their lifetime achievement in arts and entertainment.
Opera singer Renée Fleming, music star Barry Gibb and prolific hitmaker Dionne Warwick were also honored at the black-tie gala. Each received personalized tributes, including appearances and performances that are typically kept secret from the honorees themselves.
President Joe Biden welcomed the honorees to the White House before the event, saying the performing arts “reflect who we are as Americans and as human beings.”
The honorees “have helped shape how we see ourselves, how we see each other and how we see our world,” said Biden who then introduced this year’s class with a set of glowing superlatives about their work.
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden then headed to the Kennedy Center to attend the festivities. The...
Opera singer Renée Fleming, music star Barry Gibb and prolific hitmaker Dionne Warwick were also honored at the black-tie gala. Each received personalized tributes, including appearances and performances that are typically kept secret from the honorees themselves.
President Joe Biden welcomed the honorees to the White House before the event, saying the performing arts “reflect who we are as Americans and as human beings.”
The honorees “have helped shape how we see ourselves, how we see each other and how we see our world,” said Biden who then introduced this year’s class with a set of glowing superlatives about their work.
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden then headed to the Kennedy Center to attend the festivities. The...
- 12/4/2023
- by The Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kevin Hart is the next recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American humor.
Hart, who starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Netflix’s Me Time buddy comedy and will appear in Eli Roth’s big-screen adaptation of the popular video game franchise Borderlands and Netflix’s comedy-thriller Lift, will be recognized for his contribution to American culture and comedy with an award named after the 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain.
“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement on Wednesday.
Hart, who has his own entertainment company,...
Hart, who starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Netflix’s Me Time buddy comedy and will appear in Eli Roth’s big-screen adaptation of the popular video game franchise Borderlands and Netflix’s comedy-thriller Lift, will be recognized for his contribution to American culture and comedy with an award named after the 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain.
“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement on Wednesday.
Hart, who has his own entertainment company,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kevin Hart will be awarded the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts next March, joining a roster of previous recipients that includes Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, David Letterman, Dave Chappelle and last year’s honoree Adam Sandler.
“I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago,” Hart said in a statement. “To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life – I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture.”
The prize will be presented to Hart at a gala performance on March 24, 2024, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Broadcast and casting details will be announced at a later date.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways...
“I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago,” Hart said in a statement. “To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life – I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture.”
The prize will be presented to Hart at a gala performance on March 24, 2024, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Broadcast and casting details will be announced at a later date.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways...
- 11/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Sandler has missed you. He’ll show you how much he’s longed for you this fall on a comedy tour he’s dubbed the I Missed You Tour. The tour features a “surprise guest” and kicks off in Vancouver next month; dates run through December. (Caveat: He’ll only tell some of you how much he’s missed you since the tour is “for mature audiences only,” with maturity apparently beginning at age 16. Sorry, 15-year-olds.)
Tickets go on sale to the general public at noon local time on Friday via Ticketmaster,...
Tickets go on sale to the general public at noon local time on Friday via Ticketmaster,...
- 9/13/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The Kennedy Center Honors selections for 2023 are Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. These veteran artists will be honored in Washington, D.C. in December. Former Kennedy Center Honoree (2017) Gloria Estefan returns as host, marking her third time hosting the special.
Crystal is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director. Fleming is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls. Gibb, of the musical group The Bee Gees, is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Latifah is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, producer, label president, author and entrepreneur. Warwick’s iconic sound set the bar in American pop music by earning more than 60 charted hit songs and selling over 100 million records.
Crystal is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director. Fleming is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls. Gibb, of the musical group The Bee Gees, is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Latifah is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, producer, label president, author and entrepreneur. Warwick’s iconic sound set the bar in American pop music by earning more than 60 charted hit songs and selling over 100 million records.
- 6/22/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Billy Crystal, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick are among the star set to be honored at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb and opera star Renée Fleming will also be recognized at the 46th annual event, set for December at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The annual gala, to be hosted by Gloria Estefan, honors recipients by recognizing their lifetime artistic achievements. The ceremony will be held Dec. 3 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ as artists to be celebrated typically sit in the President’s Box, alongside the current commander-in-chief.
“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center,” Latifah said in a statement. “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No’. No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey.
Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb and opera star Renée Fleming will also be recognized at the 46th annual event, set for December at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The annual gala, to be hosted by Gloria Estefan, honors recipients by recognizing their lifetime artistic achievements. The ceremony will be held Dec. 3 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ as artists to be celebrated typically sit in the President’s Box, alongside the current commander-in-chief.
“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center,” Latifah said in a statement. “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No’. No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey.
- 6/22/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dionne Warwick, Billy Crystal, Queen Latifah, Barry Gibb and Renée Fleming have been set as the five arts figures due to be celebrated at the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors, with a ceremony taking place Dec. 3 in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony will take place Dec. 3 and be filmed for later broadcast airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Four of the five honorees hail from the world of music, although Queen Latifah has shifted her focus toward acting in recent years. The ratio is not an uncommon one for the Kennedy Center Honors: Last year’s ceremony honored U2, Amy Grant, Tania León and Gladys Knight, leaving George Clooney the odd acting man out.
No date was announced for the broadcast, but the 2022 ceremony also took place in the first week of December and was broadcast during the last week of that month. The show will be produced by...
The ceremony will take place Dec. 3 and be filmed for later broadcast airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Four of the five honorees hail from the world of music, although Queen Latifah has shifted her focus toward acting in recent years. The ratio is not an uncommon one for the Kennedy Center Honors: Last year’s ceremony honored U2, Amy Grant, Tania León and Gladys Knight, leaving George Clooney the odd acting man out.
No date was announced for the broadcast, but the 2022 ceremony also took place in the first week of December and was broadcast during the last week of that month. The show will be produced by...
- 6/22/2023
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal, British singer-songwriter, producer and Bee Gees member Barry Gibb, rapper, singer and actress Queen Latifah and singers Dionne Warwick and Renée Fleming will receive the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements.
On Dec. 3, the group will be recognized in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage by leading performers from from New York, Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world.
“This year’s slate represents an extraordinary mix of individuals who have redefined their art forms and demonstrated remarkable tenacity and authenticity in becoming an original,” Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter said in a statement. “Each of them has explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world.”
The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of the nation. Each year, honorees are confirmed...
On Dec. 3, the group will be recognized in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage by leading performers from from New York, Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world.
“This year’s slate represents an extraordinary mix of individuals who have redefined their art forms and demonstrated remarkable tenacity and authenticity in becoming an original,” Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter said in a statement. “Each of them has explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world.”
The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of the nation. Each year, honorees are confirmed...
- 6/22/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
CNN has obtained the exclusive rights to show the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, this year honoring Adam Sandler.
PBS has broadcast the event for the past 20 years.
CNN will show the ceremony at 8 Pm Et on March 26, a week after the March 19 live event.
The ceremony is scheduled to feature Jennifer Aniston, Judd Apatow, Drew Barrymore, Steve Buscemi, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock and David Spade, among others. Previous honorees have included Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Dave Chappelle.
While the entertainment event is a bit of a departure from CNN’s regular news programming, it comes as the network is reportedly considering plans to fill some of its primetime hours with non-traditional figures, such as a comedian or entertainment personality, or to feature such segments. Sources said that the network, led by CEO Chris Licht,, is looking at a number of options.
Deborah Rutter,...
PBS has broadcast the event for the past 20 years.
CNN will show the ceremony at 8 Pm Et on March 26, a week after the March 19 live event.
The ceremony is scheduled to feature Jennifer Aniston, Judd Apatow, Drew Barrymore, Steve Buscemi, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock and David Spade, among others. Previous honorees have included Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Dave Chappelle.
While the entertainment event is a bit of a departure from CNN’s regular news programming, it comes as the network is reportedly considering plans to fill some of its primetime hours with non-traditional figures, such as a comedian or entertainment personality, or to feature such segments. Sources said that the network, led by CEO Chris Licht,, is looking at a number of options.
Deborah Rutter,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Biden met with this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees on Thursday morning, marking another departure from his predecessor who shunned the event.
Among those participating in the meeting were this year’s honorees including Debbie Allen, Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, Midori and Dick Van Dyke. Also present were their guests including Allen’s husband Norm Nixon; Baez’s granddaughter Jasmine Jankelow-Harris; Brooks’ wife Trisha Yearwood; Midori’s business partner Charles Danziger; and Van Dyke’s wife Arlene Silver. First Lady Jill Biden and the president’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, also attended.
The Kennedy Center Honors will air on June 6 on CBS. The event, which typically takes place on the first weekend of December, was postponed because of Covid-19 safety concerns. Producers are still staging an in person event, but before a socially distanced audience on Thursday evening and on Saturday, with other segments taped throughout the week. Also...
Among those participating in the meeting were this year’s honorees including Debbie Allen, Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, Midori and Dick Van Dyke. Also present were their guests including Allen’s husband Norm Nixon; Baez’s granddaughter Jasmine Jankelow-Harris; Brooks’ wife Trisha Yearwood; Midori’s business partner Charles Danziger; and Van Dyke’s wife Arlene Silver. First Lady Jill Biden and the president’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, also attended.
The Kennedy Center Honors will air on June 6 on CBS. The event, which typically takes place on the first weekend of December, was postponed because of Covid-19 safety concerns. Producers are still staging an in person event, but before a socially distanced audience on Thursday evening and on Saturday, with other segments taped throughout the week. Also...
- 5/20/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill A Mockingbird, currently filling seats on Broadway and no doubt prompting some Tony Award nomination reveries, will launch a coast-to-coast national tour in August 2020, with the first stop at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Producer Scott Rudin announced the tour today. Directed by Bartlett Sher, and based, of course, on Harper Lee’s classic novel, Mockingbird will be on the road for more than two years. Additional information about the tour, including casting and other cities, will be announced shortly.
“We are thrilled to be launching the national tour of Aaron Sorkin’s extraordinary new play,” said Deborah Rutter, President, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the great American treasures, and it is an honor to be presenting it in the nation’s cultural center.”
The nation’s capital will...
Producer Scott Rudin announced the tour today. Directed by Bartlett Sher, and based, of course, on Harper Lee’s classic novel, Mockingbird will be on the road for more than two years. Additional information about the tour, including casting and other cities, will be announced shortly.
“We are thrilled to be launching the national tour of Aaron Sorkin’s extraordinary new play,” said Deborah Rutter, President, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the great American treasures, and it is an honor to be presenting it in the nation’s cultural center.”
The nation’s capital will...
- 3/28/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Washington — Cher, country singer Reba McEntire, composer and pianist Philip Glass, jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and “Hamilton’s” creators will be celebrated at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
The ceremony will take place on Dec. 2 and be broadcast Dec. 26 on CBS.
Last year, President Donald Trump broke with tradition and didn’t attend the event. The White House also didn’t host a pre-event reception. That came after some of the honorees, including Norman Lear, said they would not attend the White House celebration, in protest of some of the administration’s policies.
It’s unclear whether Trump will participate this year. But some of the honorees, like Cher and “Hamilton” co-creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, have been especially vocal in their opposition to the president. A spokeswoman for the Kennedy Center said they don’t know yet whether Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be there.
The award to...
The ceremony will take place on Dec. 2 and be broadcast Dec. 26 on CBS.
Last year, President Donald Trump broke with tradition and didn’t attend the event. The White House also didn’t host a pre-event reception. That came after some of the honorees, including Norman Lear, said they would not attend the White House celebration, in protest of some of the administration’s policies.
It’s unclear whether Trump will participate this year. But some of the honorees, like Cher and “Hamilton” co-creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, have been especially vocal in their opposition to the president. A spokeswoman for the Kennedy Center said they don’t know yet whether Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be there.
The award to...
- 7/25/2018
- by Ted Johnson
- Variety Film + TV
The Kennedy Center has selected Chicago Symphony Orchestra president Deborah Rutter as its new president, the organization announced Tuesday. “The Kennedy Center is fortunate to have found in Deborah an individual with an undeniable passion for and knowledge of the performing arts; a long, well-respected track record of managing and enhancing performing arts organizations; and a commitment to making the performing arts accessible and appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds,” Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement. Also Read: Kennedy Center Honors Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine, Carlos Santana In her time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,...
- 12/10/2013
- by L.A. Ross
- The Wrap
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