Julia Louis-Dreyfus Acceptance Speech | 2018 Mark Twain Prize

An outstanding lineup of entertainers gathered in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to salute Julia Louis-Dreyfus, recipient of the 21st annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on October 21, 2018. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world's greatest humorists, was presented at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. The event was taped by WETA Washington, D.C. and aired nationally on PBS on November 19, 2018 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Capital One is the Presenting Sponsor of Comedy at the Kennedy Center.

Under the direction of the creative team from Done + Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s new producing partner for the Twain Prize, the cast features many of Louis-Dreyfus’s admirers, friends, and collaborators, including Stephen Colbert, Bryan Cranston, Tina Fey, Ilana Glazer, Tony Hale, Abbi Jacobson, Jack Johnson, Keegan-Michael Key, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus earned worldwide acclaim for her portrayal of Elaine Benes in the hit NBC series "Seinfeld," and as Christine Campbell in the CBS hit comedy "The New Adventures of Old Christine." She currently stars in, and executive produces, the HBO series "Veep," which will soon begin its seventh season.

Between all shows combined, she has received eleven Emmy awards (six consecutively for "Veep") with twenty-four nominations, a Golden Globe award, nine Screen Actors Guild awards which makes her the most decorated actor in the history of the SAG awards, three Television Critics Association awards, five American Comedy Awards, a Peabody Award, and the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy. She has broken the record for the most Emmy's won by a single performer, as well as the most consecutive wins for a single role ("Veep").

#TwainPrize #PBSTwain

[mervinedward]

By far, BY FARRRR one of the best award acceptance speech anywhere ever.

[nehirakinn]

That Shania Twain joke was hilarious! Gotta love Julia ❤️

[foccha]

I’d give my entire life savings just to see Julia Louis Dreyfus do a Shakespeare play in the style of Elaine Benes. That monologue was hilarious.

[amitjodha]

Comedy is the toughest genre, I can never imagine someone speaking like that unless they are the absolute best orators on earth.

[thinebiggest]

Julia has been awarded 11 Emmy awards. 8 for acting...3 for producing. Thats all that needs to be said about this gem of an actress and human being who has provided me, as well as millions of others, quality laughs over her now 39 year career. Congrats Julia!!!!

[rhettgannon]

What did we ever do to deserve this amazing woman? Hilarious, humble, down-to-earth, searingly intelligent and witty. We broke the mold with this one.

[ghostsofnormmacdonald]

This speech was definitely sponge worthy!

[danielasabransky]

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Twain family especially the wonderful Shania" THIS SO GREAT LOL! I love it

[rajasdeshpande]

We don't deserve her . She's absolutely a legend and a national treasure. She's really really funny and really beautiful . We love you Julia. We absolutely do.

[muhammaddawood]

That shaky voice during her thanks to Jerry really set the icing on the cake.

[ricardopaesdebarros]

"The fact that I've had the opportunity to make people laugh for a living is one of the many blessings that I have received in my life". So beautiful & sweet. Lov u Julia!

[anneparham]

This should be taught in a Public Speaking class - wow. Amazing.

[carolinehaf]

The voice crack when she got to Jerry - what a beautiful relationship and understanding they share. Longevity of both actors is so amazing. I love them both and always have ♡

[CarmenRosaMarisolZoila]

Her comedic timing and impeccable tonality is super rare. She s one of the good ones

[amitabhsharma]

This has got to be the best Mark Twain Prize acceptance speech ever! Hilarious, emotional, thoughtful. Julia killed it!

[RawringRaverForever]

The way jerry looked while she gave her shakey thank you, ended me. There’s so much love there and I’m so glad she got this. She deserves everything and more

[citisoccer]

Ok, the fact that she worked the "little kicks" dance in...just amazing. She's in the .00001%. Awesome woman, in every way.

[djtexas]

When her voice shook.. it was just done...Over with!
Jerry’s speech about her on this night is also just awesome. Amazing.

[TamannaDas]

This woman was born to be a performer. What a perfect acceptance speech. We're truly lucky to have witnessed her rise and rise. I'm sure there's more greatness to come.

[sagelovescoffee]

Julia must be protected. It broke my heart to watch her get tired as the speech went on. I could see her feet shaking. As someone who went through treatment, I understand how fast the body gets tired from standing up and she did it beautifully. I love her!