The SNL-turned-box office superstar joins the likes of Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in receiving this prestigious comedic award. According to the Kennedy Center, the Mark Twain Prize “recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best
known as Mark Twain.”

Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement, “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing.” Sander’s movie credits include Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Grown Ups, Big Daddy, The Wedding Singer, to name a few.

Did Sandler deserve this award? The conversation lives on Facebook!