WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bill Maher received the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, celebrated in a lighthearted and informal event featuring both praise and playful jests from a gathering of colleagues and entertainers.
Marking its 27th year, the event at the Kennedy Center honored Maher’s intelligence, diverse interests, interviewing skill, and dedication to his audience. The honoree and attendees watched the proceedings from a side box near the Kennedy Center Concert Hall stage, visible to the audience.
Participants in the evening included Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp, Matt Friend, and Stephen A. Smith. Katie Couric narrated various video highlights of Maher’s extensive career, from Comedy Central’s “Politically Incorrect” to HBO’s ongoing talk series “Real Time With Bill Maher.” Cheche Alara served as the music director for the evening. The event will be turned into a TV special for Netflix slated to premiere on July 21.
Maher’s quick wit and spontaneous repartee as a talk show host were central themes among the friends who praised him. Most avoided discussing current politics, particularly Donald Trump, despite the Twain Award being the only event at the otherwise vacant arts facility due to him.
Instead, antics related to Trump became the highlight of the show. As Maher approached the stage to receive his award from 2014 recipient Leno, impressionist Matt Friend interrupted, impersonating a contentious President Trump. Friend humorously objected to Maher’s attendance at a White House dinner with Trump in 2025, a topic mentioned by Cummings and humorously defended by Maher during their comedic exchange.
Attendees were generous in their praise for Maher. Cummings described him as “a fighter for quality and justice,” while Louis C.K. reflected on their unlikely friendship during a challenging period in his career. Harrelson lauded Maher for his insights and wit as the “ultimate contrarian” and highlighted their long-standing friendship, particularly their shared appreciation for cannabis, referencing the dispensary they co-own in L.A. several times.
Huffington recounted that her first appearance on “Politically Incorrect” sparked a “long and deep friendship” with Maher. She described him as “the most loyal friend,” adding, “Mark Twain would have loved you.” ESPN host Smith echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how “Bill keeps it real” and his “greatest gift is his courage.” Smith also compared Maher to the lyrics of Paul Anka’s song, “My Way,” and recited a verse from it.
Highlights of the evening included opening music from Alara and his band, as well as Mellencamp performing “Small Town” and “Pink Houses,” both at Maher’s request. In his acceptance speech, Maher mentioned he’s never been overly focused on collecting awards, stating, “If I had to choose between the 41 Emmys I lost or the fans, I’d pick the fans every time.”
Washington, D.C.’s reaction to President Trump’s unpopular “takeover” of the Kennedy Center the previous year was apparent. The usually sold-out Twain event, a key fundraiser for the facility, attracted a considerably smaller crowd. Moreover, security was exceptionally tight with a strong police presence and numerous metal detectors, despite President Trump’s absence.
