Bill Maher Receives 27th Mark Twain Prize Amid Kennedy Center Turmoil
Comedian and HBO "Real Time" host Bill Maher was awarded the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, June 23, 2025. The ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast as a Netflix special on July 21, 2025. The event occurred amid an ongoing legal dispute regarding the center's leadership and a planned renovation closure.
Award Details
"It is indeed humbling to get anything named for a man who's been thrown out of as many school libraries as Mark Twain."
— Bill Maher, in his acceptance speech
The Kennedy Center confirmed Maher as the recipient in March 2025. The prize, administered by the Kennedy Center since 1998, recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to humor and commentary in the United States. Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, stated that Maher has influenced American discourse through his comedy.
Previous recipients of the Mark Twain Prize include Conan O'Brien, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Carol Burnett, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, and Eddie Murphy.
In his acceptance speech, Maher also quipped: "If I had to choose between the 41 Emmys I lost or the fans, I'd pick the fans every time."
Participants and Program
The event took place at the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall, with Maher and guests observing from a side box. Participants included:
- Comedians: Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Matt Friend, and Jay Leno
- Musicians: John Mellencamp and Woody Harrelson
- Authors/Media: Arianna Huffington, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith
- Narrator: Katie Couric, who narrated a video montage of Maher's career
Music was provided by Cheche Alara and his band; Mellencamp performed "Small Town" and "Pink Houses." Matt Friend performed impressions of President Donald Trump, referencing Maher's attendance at a 2025 White House dinner.
Statements from Participants
- Whitney Cummings called Maher "a fighter for quality and justice."
- Louis C.K. spoke about their friendship formed during a difficult period in his career.
- Woody Harrelson praised Maher as an "ultimate contrarian" and mentioned their jointly owned cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles.
- Arianna Huffington described Maher as "the most loyal friend" and said "Mark Twain would have loved you."
- Stephen A. Smith said Maher's "greatest gift is his courage" and likened him to the song "My Way."
Initial Reports and White House Response
The Atlantic reported in March that Maher would receive the award. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and communications director Steven Cheung both characterized the story as "fake news" and stated Maher would not receive the award. An administration official later indicated that the situation evolved following further discussions between the Kennedy Center and event organizers. The Kennedy Center subsequently confirmed the selection.
Maher-Trump Relationship
Maher and President Trump have a history of public exchanges. In 2013, Trump filed a $5 million lawsuit against Maher for breach of contract, which Trump later dropped. In April 2025, Trump claimed on social media that Maher was "nervous" during a White House dinner. Maher described Trump as "gracious and measured" on his show and denied being scared.
Maher has publicly praised some Trump policies, including "mass removal of stone cold criminals" and requiring NATO members to pay "their fair share," while criticizing election conspiracy theories promoted by Trump allies.
Kennedy Center Context
After President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, he replaced much of the Kennedy Center's leadership with allies and was named chairman. The board added Trump's name to the building's facade. A federal judge ruled the name addition illegal, and it was subsequently removed. The building's marquee remains covered by a tarp.
Trump announced a two-year renovation closure starting July 2025. A judge later blocked the closure. The final scheduled event in the Concert Hall is "The Freedom Gathering: A Musical Celebration" on July 3.
Attendance and Security
Due to the Trump administration's involvement with the Kennedy Center, the event drew a smaller audience than usual and had heightened security, including police presence and metal detectors. President Trump did not attend.