Bill Maher to Receive Prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

The Kennedy Center's annual award honors comedians who 'afflict the comfortable' with edgy, politically-charged humor.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:22am

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Following initial reports that comedian Bill Maher would not receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center has confirmed that Maher will in fact be this year's honoree. The annual award recognizes comedians whose topical, boundary-pushing humor echoes the legacy of Mark Twain.

Why it matters

Maher's selection for the Mark Twain Prize highlights the ongoing debate around free speech, political correctness, and the role of comedy in challenging the status quo. As a provocative, unapologetic voice on his HBO program 'Real Time,' Maher has drawn both praise and criticism for his willingness to 'afflict the comfortable' with his brand of politically-charged humor.

The details

The Mark Twain Prize, presented by the Kennedy Center, will be awarded to Maher on June 28, just before the performing arts center closes for a two-year renovation. In a statement, Maher thanked 'the Mark Twain people' and acknowledged the honor, saying 'I just had the award explained to me, and apparently it's like an Emmy, except I win.' Maher's selection was initially met with skepticism from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who dismissed the reports as 'fake news.' However, the Kennedy Center later confirmed Maher as this year's recipient, with the organization's VP of public relations, Roma Daravi, praising Maher's 'politically incorrect' comedy.

  • The Mark Twain Prize will be awarded to Bill Maher on June 28, 2026.
  • The Kennedy Center will close for a two-year renovation immediately after the award ceremony.

The players

Bill Maher

An American comedian, political commentator, and television host known for his unapologetically provocative and politically-charged humor on his HBO program 'Real Time.'

Karoline Leavitt

The current White House press secretary who initially dismissed reports of Maher receiving the Mark Twain Prize as 'fake news.'

Roma Daravi

The vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, which presents the annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

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What they’re saying

“I'd just like to say that it is indeed humbling to get anything named for a man who's been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain.”

— Bill Maher

“For nearly three decades, the Mark Twain Prize has celebrated some of the greatest minds in comedy. For even longer, Bill has been influencing American discourse — one politically incorrect joke at a time.”

— Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations, Kennedy Center

What’s next

The Mark Twain Prize ceremony honoring Bill Maher will take place on June 28, 2026, just before the Kennedy Center closes for a two-year renovation.

The takeaway

Maher's selection for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize underscores the ongoing debate around free speech, political correctness, and the role of comedy in challenging societal norms. As a provocative, unapologetic voice, Maher's brand of humor has earned him both praise and criticism, but the award recognizes his lasting impact on American discourse.