Chris Rock on Adam Sandler | 2023 Mark Twain Prize

Watch the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Adam Sandler on CNN.com or CNNgo.

The Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, was awarded to Adam Sandler at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy -- including Chris Rock, Conan O'Brien, Ben Stiller, Dana Carvey, Pete Davidson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Anniston, Idina Menzel, David Spade, and more -- on March 19, 2023, and aired nationally on CNN on March 26, 2023.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor 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. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.

“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter about this year’s recipient. “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy.”

#MarkTwainPrize #AdamSandler #chrisrock #kennedycenter #cnn

[byronAnewby]

Adam's face while Chris tells the dorm story. Speaks to his love for Chris while CR's story speaks to his love for Sandler. Love and Respect amongst real friends

[slawdawg]

My Gf and I took in a flick in Malibu 20+ years ago. As we are exciting the movie, we see Adam and his Gf (now wife) in the lobby. His movie "Big Daddy" is playing at the theatre. A family with two young boys who just exited "Bid Daddy" see him and the boys are staring in rapture at Adam. His Gf sees this, nudges him, Adam sees the boys staring, and immediately goes in to character for them and starts chatting the boys up. I will never forget the look of pride in his Gf, the look of appreciation of the parents and the absolute joy and admiration on the boys faces. I will always be an Adam Sandler fan. Truly a good man.

[henchi]

You could almost see him reminiscing the dorm scene, thats real friendship right there

[sabrenadamnit]

Adam is a true friend to so many people, it's AWESOME they have been friends for 30yrs... Sending Love from West Virginia ❤❤❤✌✌

[sandyk]

This was such an amazing tribute to Adam by sincere friends!❤️ NO egotism 😁

[thatchadlmiller]

Those dudes love each other like only old school bros can. Trust is 100% between them.

[ionalewis]

Chris Rock was barely holding the tears back after his speech. True admiration and love for his friend ❤️

[rock.paper.scissors]

These two, they stayed in the business because I think they are humble. Birds of a feather❤❤❤

[kathleen]

So nice two see the appreciation between the two of these great comedians !

[lXlQueenofScots]

He was raised right. Diamond of a guy ❤

[ggody]

Adam is really one of the few who still have respect in movie industry

[joanneshea]

God bless, Adam Sandler! He’s awesome. ❤

[wvu]

That line about the Academy works on so many levels coming from Chris Rock.

[nickerocks]

He should have won the Oscar for Uncut Gems. Brilliant performance

[DrSwyts]

The words were beautiful but, the nonverbal communication between these beautiful friends was heartfelt ❤️

[susanwicker]

Love Adam Sandler..2016 going through chemotherapy and radiation..he helped me get through it by watching his movies during summer..by laughing..he was actually the best medicine ❤

[casandrabarnes-oqfy]

Such great artists and great friends. Will Smith, you will never have this amount of class.

[assumity]

Chris Rock is a class act and a great comedian/entertainer. I loved the dig at the Oscars!

[rainedyani]

Wow, what a genuinely great person he must be… Everyone speaks so highly of him! That was a great tribute. 😭❤️ I loved him in Punch Drunk Love.

[ionalewis]

Adam Sandler is amazing. I don't hear bad stuff ( cheating on his wife, abuse, rude to others etc) about his personal life. He's genuinely a kind person. Ive always loved Chris Rock also, especially in Lethal Weapon.