On a remarkable night at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Conan O’Brien wrapped up the ceremony with a touch of humor and celebration. Though the atmosphere was lively, there was an underlying sense of change and uncertainty that hung over the future of this cultural hub in Washington. The night commemorated O’Brien’s lifetime achievements in comedy, as he became the 26th recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize, an honor he accepted gracefully Sunday evening.
In mid-January, Conan O’Brien, 61, was named the honoree. This accolade came just three weeks prior to a major shake-up initiated by President Donald Trump, who disrupted the longstanding leadership at the Kennedy Center. Trump dismissed prominent figures Deborah Rutter and David Rubenstein, before installing loyalists on the board and assuming the chairman position himself. Standing before an appreciative audience, O’Brien expressed his gratitude to Rubenstein and Rutter, leading to an extended ovation for their contributions. Additionally, he acknowledged the dedicated staff who ponder the center’s uncertain future.
O’Brien drew parallels between current events and the ideals of Mark Twain. “Twain hated bullies,” O’Brien remarked, citing Twain’s tendency to challenge the strong while empathizing with the vulnerable. Following this speech, a Mark Twain impersonator entered the scene, sparking an amusing dialogue with O’Brien before joining him on stage. The evening culminated with them dancing, eventually joined by more Twain look-alikes and Adam Sandler, who added to the humor by performing Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
This jovial conclusion was set against a backdrop of an unpredictable future for the Kennedy Center. Comedian Nikki Glaser addressed this during the red carpet, stating, “It’s in the air tonight. This night is about Conan, but it can be both.” As festivities continued, Stephen Colbert joked about new board members supposedly including Bashar Assad and Skeletor, only to be matched by John Mulaney’s jest that the center might soon be renamed in honor of Trump’s mentor Roy Cohn. Sarah Silverman’s jokes were too racy for headlines but mirrored the night’s candid critique.
Trump, in his social media pronouncements about the Kennedy Center, commented on a ‘Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.’ While this vision’s realization remains ambiguous, Trump has proposed featuring more Broadway shows and hinted at Kennedy Center Honors for figures like Sylvester Stallone and Paul Anka. Despite the political upheaval, Conan O’Brien’s tenure in comedy, characterized by a mix of goofiness and thoughtful commentary, remained at the center of the evening’s celebration. His willingness to engage with sensitive issues, highlighted by his live officiation of a gay wedding in 2011, has marked his unique comedic legacy.
O’Brien’s journey to fame began in 1993 when he made an unlikely leap from behind-the-scenes writer to replacing David Letterman as the host of “Late Night.” Despite having no significant on-camera experience, his previous work for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons” established his comedic bona fides. O’Brien led “Late Night” for 16 years, paving the way for a complex chapter as host of “The Tonight Show,” which ended after seven months due to network reshuffling. Nevertheless, O’Brien transitioned smoothly, moving to TBS and creating successful podcasts and travel shows. His latest project, “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” has been both a critical and popular success, alongside his applauded role at the Academy Awards.
In response to Trump’s influence over the Kennedy Center, artists like Issa Rae and the producers of “Hamilton” decided to cancel their events. However, others expressed their views through performances, with W. Kamau Bell directly addressing the issue on stage and cellist Erin Murphy Snedecor closing her set with a Woody Guthrie classic.
This lifetime achievement award places O’Brien among comedic luminaries like Letterman, Leno, George Carlin, and Whoopi Goldberg. The entire celebration will be available for streaming on Netflix starting May 4, offering audiences a chance to witness an iconic night of comedy and reflection on the ever-evolving cultural landscape.