Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien on March 23, 2025, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists,

Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center said in a press release Thursday.

Before hosting this year’s Oscars, comedian Conan O’Brien will accept his own big award. The Emmy Award winner, set to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, will be honored with the 2025 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The former late-night host joins the ranks of a celebrated group including Kevin Hart, Jon Stewart, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Conan O’Brien has been selected by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to receive the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Conan O’Brien is the 2025 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy, honored 'not for humor, but for [his] work as a riverboat pilot.'

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was first given to comedian Richard Pryor in 1998. Over the years, it’s been handed out to everyone from Carl Reiner and Neil Simon to Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, and Dave Chapelle. O’Brien made appearances in the past to honor Lorne Michaels, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler.

Conan O’Brien is the latest comedian to be feted at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The former host of Conan and The Tonight Show will receive the award on March 23 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Mark Twain recipients are honored with a night of testimonials and video tributes, often featuring previous award winners. The ceremony will stream on Netflix at a later date yet to be announced.