Stephen Colbert on Jon Stewart | 2022 Mark Twain Prize

Commenting on the prize, Stewart said, “I am truly honored to receive this award. I have long admired and been influenced by the work of Mark Twain, or, as he was known by his given name, Samuel Leibowitz.”

“For more than three decades, Jon Stewart has brightened our lives and challenged our minds as he delivers current events and social satire with his trademark wit and wisdom. For me, tuning into his television programs over the years has always been equal parts entertainment and truth”
— Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President

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.

As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Stewart received a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853–1940). Previous recipients can be seen by scrolling down this page.

Capital One® is the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor as part of the bank’s three-year, $3 million gift to fund Comedy at the Kennedy Center, a signature program at the Center focused on elevating comedy as an art form and uniting the community through laughter.

The 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is under the direction of the creative team from Done + Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018. This year’s ceremony marks the 23rd year that the Kennedy Center’s marquee comedy award will be broadcast nationally.

The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998.

#TwainPrizePBS #JonStewart #StephenColbert

[DanimalHype]

The idea of a room full of professional comedians just laughing hysterically at good humor jokes for the entire evening really brings a smile to my face.

[IcyAuron]

"Staying silly while giving a damn" is maybe the best description of how to live life.

[Pants]

Those years Jon wrangled the Daily Show were some of the very best TV had to offer. You could tell he loved and supported his "correspondents" and it was obvious how much he enjoyed being outshone by them when they did their best work. I wish we could hear his voice a little more often these days, as it brings a very calming kind of silliness with sincerity that keeps me sane!

[jiveshvashist]

Excellent speech..always kept Jon at the center, gave plenty of anecdotes, while being funny every few seconds.. complete masterclass

[coach_paul_t]

“Most passionate patriot for whom love of country is no joke.” Wow, good writing, Colbert!

[andrewpassow]

"Jon's true passion is recreational anxiety." How brilliant is that?! Jon is brilliant in our dull age, as is Stephen. Wow, how slow and paranoid is the majority of the populace is to catch on and grasp the significance of their message and catch the fire. How fortunate is the U.S. to have such prominent intellectuals.

[jessicaloree]

I would 110% vote for John Stewart before literally anyone. He's the original one to call BS with our government.

[asandiegoguy]

As usual, Stephen knocks it out of the park. Hopefully John will be giving a similar speech about Stephen one day.

[justadad]

I do envy them both, such friendships, such a career, such wives and such friends. I merely wish more listened to what they have to say.

[kattiegodfrey]

John going before congress on behalf of first responders and Veterans won my heart!

[JewiMacca]

Jon stewart is a national treasure. Takes on serious topics sprinkles it with a little humor but more importantly wears his heart on his sleeve. I miss him on the Daily Show - nothing like it and nobody could do it as well as he did.

[wolfel]

Stephen Colbert's "Better Know A District" segment on The Daily Show was some of the greatest comedy writing in television history.

[andyscott]

I’ll never forget the first Colbert special report I saw on The Daily Show, might have been one of his first. It was titled “Up the Creek Without a Paddle, ” and Colbert was interviewing an old lady who had literally lost her paddle while boating in a creek 🤣 I thought “this guy is going places.”

[worldsurfer]

"What we have is fragile, and precious. And the way to guard against it isn't to change how audiences think, it's to change how leaders lead."

[Evehawk]

Favorite part of the whole evening for me was watching Jon’s mom. Having the time of her life!

[OldenPolyNate]

The Daily Show followed by the Colbert Report was such a special time. A golden era that will never be duplicated. I'll miss those years. 😕

[joshburns]

The John Stewart Stephen Colbert podcast would be the number one podcast in my book

[ranjitace]

Stephen truly loves Jon! The respect, it shows!!!
Waking The path of the brother! Another Mark Twain recipient few years down the lane: Mr Colbert.

[chelseab]

What a wonderful speech, balancing heartfelt sentiments and jokes.

[Real]

"Staying silly, while giving a damn"

Those are some words to live by.