Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

The Kennedy Center will honor the comedian and political talk show host at a gala ceremony in June.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Bill Maher, the longtime comedian and political talk show host, will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The award ceremony is scheduled for June 28, shortly before the venue undergoes renovations.

Why it matters

The Mark Twain Prize is one of the highest honors in American comedy, recognizing Maher's decades-long career as a provocative and influential voice in political satire and social commentary. The award also comes amid tensions between the Kennedy Center and the Trump administration over programming decisions.

The details

Maher, 70, has been a fixture of the talk-show world for more than 30 years, first with 'Politically Incorrect' on Comedy Central and ABC, and then with 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on HBO since 2003. Known for his caustic wit and willingness to criticize both liberals and conservatives, Maher has been a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump.

  • The Mark Twain Prize ceremony will take place on June 28, 2026.
  • Maher's 'Politically Incorrect' show ran from 1993 to 2002.
  • Maher's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' has aired on HBO since 2003.

The players

Bill Maher

A comedian and political talk show host who is being honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., which is awarding Maher the Mark Twain Prize.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president, who has been a frequent target of criticism from Maher.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to the Mark Twain people: I just had the award explained to me, and apparently it's like an Emmy, except I win.”

— Bill Maher

“This was false reporting at the time of The Atlantic's reporting, but the situation changed after further conversations took place between the Trump-Kennedy Center and event organizers over the past week.”

— Administration official

What’s next

The Mark Twain Prize ceremony will be held at the Kennedy Center on June 28, 2026, shortly before the venue undergoes renovations. Netflix also has a deal to stream the ceremony, though a date has not been announced.

The takeaway

The selection of Bill Maher for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize underscores his status as one of the most influential and provocative political comedians of his generation, known for his willingness to criticize both liberals and conservatives. The award also highlights the ongoing tensions between the Kennedy Center and the Trump administration over programming decisions.