Mark Twain Prize night turns political as comedians roast Trump
What's the story
Conan O'Brien was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center.
The event, meant to celebrate O'Brien's comedy legacy, also became a night of political jabs, especially aimed at US President Donald Trump, who recently overhauled the Kennedy Center's leadership.
Comedians like Sarah Silverman, Stephen Colbert, and John Mulaney didn't hold back, while O'Brien acknowledged the institution's uncertainty.
Despite the tensions, the night ended on a humorous note, showcasing O'Brien's enduring impact on comedy.
Silverman's remarks
Silverman made a bold statement against Trump
Silverman, famous for her bold humor, said, "They chose me and it's this way of thinking that makes Conan great again."
She also took a dig at a controversial episode of O'Brien's show, asking the audience to look under their seats for a photo of O'Brien's lips.
This was a reference to Trump's infamous Access Hollywood tape where he bragged about grabbing women by their genitals.
Uncertain future
Comedians hinted at uncertain future of Kennedy Center
The event also highlighted the recent changes at the Kennedy Center since Trump's self-appointment as chair.
The new board, appointed by Trump, has already dismissed the center's president Deborah Rutter.
Comedians Mulaney and Will Ferrell hinted at these changes, with Mulaney joking about the center being renamed after Trump's mentor Roy Cohn and Ferrell referring to his own distraction from "shutting down the Department of Education."
Addressing the climate
O'Brien and other comedians addressed current climate
In his acceptance speech, O'Brien, who has never really been political in his comedy, made sharp remarks about the current climate.
He thanked the people who invited him, specifically Rutter and David Rubenstein, and added how he was grateful to the "beautiful people who have worked here at the Kennedy Center for years and who are worried about what the future might bring."
Audience reaction
O'Brien's acceptance speech resonated with audience
O'Brien's speech struck a chord as he spoke about 19th-century writer Mark Twain.
"Twain hated bullies... He punched up, not down, and he empathized with the weak," he said.
He added, "Twain was suspicious of populism, jingoism, imperialism, the money-obsessed mania of the Gilded Age, and any expression of mindless American might or self-importance."
The night ended on a lighter note with performers dressed as Twain dancing while O'Brien and Adam Sandler played Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World.