• Conan O'Brien will be awarded the Mark Twain Prize for his contributions to comedy.
• The ceremony will take place at the Kennedy Center on March 23, 2025.
• O'Brien is noted for his unique comedic style and for being a resilient figure in late-night television.
• This honor adds to his achievements as he is also set to host the Academy Awards in March.
• Past recipients include legends such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Gillian Anderson.

Conan O'Brien, the acclaimed comedian and late-night talk show host, is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The prestigious award, which acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to American society in a manner similar to its namesake, author Mark Twain, will be presented in a ceremony scheduled for March 23, 2025. This significant honor marks a milestone in O'Brien's career, affirming his status as a prominent figure in comedic entertainment. The ceremony, which will subsequently be aired on Netflix, honors the recipient with testimonials and video tributes from notable peers in the industry.

Deborah Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, hailed O'Brien as “a master of invention and reinvention,” commending his ability to push comedic boundaries while maintaining a unique blend of humor that is both insightful and absurd. O’Brien, 61, expressed his appreciation humorously, stating he feels “honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot,” referencing Twain's own literary journey.

Throughout his career, O'Brien has transitioned from a writer on shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons to becoming a staple of late-night comedy. Best known for his work on "Late Night" and "Conan," his humorous narratives have resonated with audiences for decades. His resilience in the face of challenges, particularly after a brief yet tumultuous tenure as host of "The Tonight Show," has showcased his capacity to continually reinvent his comedic persona.

This year is particularly remarkable for O'Brien, as he is also set to host the Academy Awards on March 2. Following his departure from TBS in 2021, he has maintained his presence in the entertainment landscape through various endeavors, including his podcast "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend" and the travel series "Conan O’Brien Must Go."

As O'Brien prepares to accept this distinguished award and take on the Oscars hosting duties, his enduring impact on the comedic landscape is celebrated not just by fans, but by the entire entertainment industry. For more details, visit the original articles from NPR, AP News, USA Today, LA Times, and The Hill.