Conan O'Brien honoured with Mark Twain Prize
Conan O'Brien received the prestigious Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humour. The ceremony is available to stream on Netflix from 4 May 2025.
This annual award pays tribute to comedians who have left a lasting mark on American society through their wit and satire.
This year's recipient, Conan O'Brien, was honoured in a star-studded gala held at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The 26th Mark Twain Prize ceremony, filmed on 23 March 2025, brought together some of comedy's biggest names.
This included Adam Sandler, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Silverman, Will Ferrell, John Mulaney, and David Letterman, among others.
Their heartfelt tributes and hilarious roasts captured the spirit of O'Brien's four-decade journey in comedy, according to Observer Voice.
He started out from his early days writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons to his late-night talk show fame and popular podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter praised Conan's unique blend of 'smart, silly, insightful and hilarious' humour.
Rutter noted his ability to reinvent himself continuously.
'Conan is a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights,' she said.
O'Brien, known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humour, joked upon receiving the award,
'I am honoured to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize, recognised not for humour. But for my work as a riverboat pilot.'
Conan used his acceptance speech to reflect on his journey, recalling the tough early years when he was an unemployed graduate living modestly in Los Angeles.
His story resonated with many, showing how perseverance and passion can lead to extraordinary success.
The event also included a pointed but humorous critique of political issues, with comedians like Will Ferrell and Tracy Morgan.
They delivered sharp, satirical remarks that resonated in today's turbulent cultural landscape.
The Mark Twain Prize ceremony celebrates humour's vital role in society-something people universally appreciate, regardless of borders.
As comedian John Mulaney quipped during the event, 'It's a privilege to be here at the Kennedy Center. Or as it will soon be known, the Roy Cohn Pavilion for Powerful Men Who Appreciate 'Cats',' a nod to the political shifts affecting the arts institution.
Netflix's streaming of the event means South African audiences can share in the joy and legacy of one of America's most beloved comedians from the comfort of their homes.
In a world often in need of levity, Conan O'Brien's Mark Twain Prize ceremony reminds us all why laughter remains one of our greatest shared treasures.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Top Father's Day gifts to avoid and better alternatives
Gifts your dad might actually like this Father's Day. Image: RDNE Stock project / Pexels It's Father's Day on Sunday, and if you've left your shopping to the last minute, we have a few gift ideas for you. But before you head to the shops, there are a few gifts that you might want to give a miss this year because, while well-meaning, they often just end up collecting dust or, even worse, regifted to one of your uncles. First up are socks. Nothing says 'I had no idea what to get you' like a pair of socks. Don't you think he has enough socks by now? Next on the list are those prepackaged, cheap cologne sets. It might seem like a winner because who doesn't like to be spoiled with new cologne, but unless you know exactly what cologne he likes, this gift will probably go unused. Now, let's talk about those 'Best Dad' mugs. How many of those mugs does he need, and how often have you seen him use them? They're just dust collectors with handles. This one might not apply to everyone, but if your dad already owns slippers and a gown, there's no need to get him any more. Winter is in full swing, so why not invest in some good quality thermal underwear instead? Your dad doesn't need another mug. Image: RDNE Stock project / Pexels Now that you know what not to get dad this Father's Day, here are a few gift ideas that he might actually like. If your dad loves spending time in front of the TV, why not buy him a subscription to streaming platforms like Netflix or Showmax? This will give him easy access to hundreds of movies and series for him to binge-watch. For something a little different, gift him an experience. Think of live sporting events, beer tasting tours or tickets to see his favourite artist in concert. If he's the fit, outdoorsy type, then a walk along a beautiful hiking trail is something he would enjoy. Now, this might not sound like a typical male gift, but even dads need a bit of pampering now and then. Treat him to a full-body massage or spa day at a local wellness centre. Even dads need to be pampered once in a while. Image: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels If you're stuck and still have no idea what to buy him, then simply ask him. Many dads are happy to just spend quality time with their children, while others simply want to be left to do nothing all day! IOL Lifestyle
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
How the BET Awards managed to attract star power this year
The BET Awards have been dismal for years now. This time around, however, they managed to attract actual talent. Star power was the order of the day from host Kevin Hart to some of the winners on the night. It should be noted that even though it was great to see people like Tyler Perry presenting an award, Mariah Carey was also in attendance, and they even had Snoop Dogg in the front row. Still, all those people had ulterior motives for being there. Mariah Carey is celebrating 20 years of the release of her iconic opus, The Emancipation of Mimi. She also debuted a new song at the BET Awards. Perry is hawking the release of his latest film, Straw, and Snoop Dogg needs the visibility as he has a decent album out now. Nobody is fooled; it is all just advertising. Snoop, Carey and Jamie Foxx all received awards for being icons and pivotal to the culture. The big winner on the night is a man who owes most of his recent success to Canada's Drake. Kendrick Lamar walked away with more awards than he deserves, most of which were centred around the flaccid offering GNX. Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year, Video of the Year, and even Best Collaboration of the Year all went to the pride and joy of Compton. Future and Metro Boomin won Best Group for their efforts last year. Florida's Doechii either inflamed or put the industry plant rumours to rest when she scooped the award for Best Female Rap Artist. She used her acceptance speech to shine a light on the recent protests around immigration and deportation happening in Los Angeles. Comedian and actor Kevin Hart oversaw the responsibilities of hosting. He made fun of everyone, from lightly insisting that after parties would not be happening, as things tend to get slippery at those. A clear reference to rapper P. Diddy and the abundance of baby oil found in his home when Homeland Security raided one of his properties. Hart has enjoyed sharing the spotlight with streamers Kai Cenat and Druski. This has kept Hart relevant, and the three together are always worth a watch. Seeing behind-the-scenes footage on Cenat's stream was refreshing as all those moments happened in real time, as it were. Fans of music channels, back in the days when they played music, will recall a once immensely popular show called Total Request Live (TRL) on MTV. BET's urban response to that was a similar show called 106 and Park. Rapper Bow Wow was a large part of this. Naturally he took to the stage and let loose with some of his more memorable hits from that moment in time. Amapiano was not left out of this celebration of Black artistry. South African DJ duo TxC won Best New International Act, ensuring the amapiano fraternity was not ignored. The BET Awards has been steadily foregrounding South African music in recent years, which our artists surely appreciate. Everything from the performances to the slick delivery of the overall production was infinitely better than it has been in recent years. The star power they managed to get into the Peacock Theatre was more impressive than it was last year or the year before. Everything from the performances and the acceptance speeches was a pleasure to take in. This might be because of the 25-year milestone reached by the awards this year, or that BET, as a network, has now been around for 45 years. We can only hope the BET Hip Hop Awards will be as good. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chicken feet and champions: Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am enjoy Mzansi's fave dish
On a boys day out, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi decides to kick back with his teammates. The setting is just as epic as the man himself. Recently, Siya Kolisi and fellow Sharks and Bok players Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am took a much-needed break from the pressures of the rugby field. They indulged in a classic South African meal, chicken feet and dombolo (steamed bread). It was the perfect occasion for Siya, Makazole and Lukhanyo to enjoy Mzansi's favourite dish together. What started as a simple meal turned into a celebration of culture, food and camaraderie. There was also a side of humour and some playful banter from fans and teammates. Traditional feast in Durban: the Xhosa way Chicken feet and dombolo. Picture via Instagram The Rugby World Cup winners headed to Fresh Food with Thuladu, a popular eatery in the heart of Durban. It serves up traditional South African dishes, like the ones Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am relish. The setting was relaxed, with the men indulging in a hearty meal while sharing stories, laughter and, of course, a touch of rugby banter. But it wasn't just the food that caught everyone's attention. It was the bond between these Xhosa men that was highlighted when they relished the traditional dish. Siya, known for his strong connection to his Xhosa heritage, posted a picture of the meal with a caption that included their Xhosa clan names: Zikhali, uQhinebe, and oGqwashu. To netizens who saw the post, it felt like a reunion of the Dyani's, a term that means 'big man', 'grown man,' or, as locals say, 'Grootman'. This was a nod to those who have successfully gone through the rites of passage in Xhosa culture. For many, it was a powerful moment of shared identity and respect for their ancestry. Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am: the silent giants While Siya may be the captain, his teammates Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am are no strangers to the spotlight. Mapimpi is often seen as the quiet, stoic but most fashionable player in SA. He was at ease as he sat down with Siya and Lukhanyo. The trio looked content over plates filled with chicken feet, dombolo, and other offal delicacies. Lukhanyo is often reserved. However, you could see in the photos that he was savouring the rare opportunity for a bit of fun while standing out with Kolisi and Mampimpi. ALSO READ: WATCH: Inside Ntando Duma's magical wedding to Una Rams Offal: South African tradition of brotherhood In South Africa, meals like offal, the internal organs of animals such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, have long been associated with tradition and brotherhood. Men often share these hearty meals over good conversation, sometimes accompanied by a cold beer. It's a time-honoured tradition that goes beyond food; it's about bonding, sharing wisdom, and celebrating life. The meal Kolisi, Mampimpi and Am enjoyed was a reflection of their heritage and the unity they feel as teammates. South African captain Siya Kolisi lifts the trophy at the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Picture:Siya's Instagram post didn't go unnoticed. Fellow celebrities were quick to jump into the comments with playful jabs and cheers. One follower affectionately called them 'Desiney's Child,' a nod to the legendary R&B group, Destiny's Child, all while enjoying Mzansi's prescribed dish with Mampimpi and Lukhanyo. Another teammate, Eben Etzebeth, couldn't resist poking fun, quipping, 'Really nailed it with that food, yummy.' The comments were full of love, proving that the gents picked the right dish for a fun boys' day out. ALSO READ: SA's Amapiano DJ duo TxC wins BET award From the looks of it, this meal wasn't just about satisfying their hunger. It was a chance for these athletes to recharge, bond, and celebrate their shared history. In the end, it was the perfect choice for a boys' day out, illustrated beautifully by Kolisi, Am and Mapimpi enjoying Mzansi's favourite dish.
