WASHINGTON — Conan O'Brien received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday, March 23, with much attention also focused on the Kennedy Center, where he accepted the award. O'Brien, an Emmy-winning comedian, joins a distinguished list of past recipients and will be honored at a tribute-filled evening featuring performances and jokes from renowned comics. The event will be broadcast later on Netflix.

This ceremony marks the first major event at the Kennedy Center since President Donald Trump took over as chairman, replacing billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein. Last month, Trump dismissed board members appointed by former President Joe Biden and installed his own allies. He appointed Richard Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany and a close Trump associate, as the facility's new leader. The current board also includes White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance. Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter was removed from her position.

During a recent visit, Trump criticized the condition of the center, calling it "tremendously in disrepair." Alongside the annual Kennedy Center Honors in December, the Mark Twain Prize is one of the institution’s most prestigious events, attracting high-profile performers and celebrities. While Trump is not expected to attend the ceremony, his influence on the center remains a major talking point.

O'Brien, who recently hosted the Oscars and is set to return as host next year, has had a long career in comedy, including hosting Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and Conan on TBS. He also previously wrote for Saturday Night Live. Past recipients of the Mark Twain Prize include Kevin Hart, Adam Sandler, Jon Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Carol Burnett.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.