Latest news with #KennedyCenterMarkTwainPrize
The South African
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
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.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mel Gibson's Gun Rights Restored Following Justice Department Attorney's Firing
The U.S. Justice Department has reportedly reversed its decision not to reinstate Mel Gibson's gun rights following a 2011 domestic violence misdemeanor. The 2x Oscar winner is among 10 people whose right to own a gun will be restored with their names soon to be published in the Federal Register, according to The New York Times, despite federal law barring most domestic violence convicts from owning a firearm. More from Deadline High-Ranking Justice Department Attorney Alleges She Was Fired For Disputing Reinstatement Of Mel Gibson's Gun Rights John Oliver Takes Jab At Mel Gibson Following Justice Dept. Attorney Firing: 'Best Known For His Work In Screaming' Conan O'Brien Explains Why It Felt "Important To Show Up" For Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize Gibson's victory comes after Elizabeth G. Oyer, a high-ranking Justice Department pardon attorney, said she was fired just a day after she noted her lack of a recommendation for the actor's restoration of his gun rights. Oyer alleged she was explicitly told the reinstatement should come due to Gibson's status as a newly appointed special ambassador to Hollywood, alongside colleagues Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone. 'This is dangerous. This isn't political — this is a safety issue,' Oyer told The Times in an interview. A Justice Department official said the disagreement over Gibson played no role in the dismissal, per the Gray Lady. Gibson pleaded no contest to his 2011 domestic violence charge as part of a deal to avoid jail time, receiving three years of informal probation, community service, a year of domestic violence counseling and $570 in fines. Later, he described the events as 'terribly humiliating and painful for my family,' adding that he has 'never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality.' Best of Deadline Everything We Know About 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 So Far Everything We Know About 'Hacks' Season 4 So Far 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
