The comedian and former late-night talk show host will be given the Kennedy Center’s annual comedy honor at a ceremony in March.

Gold Derby’s top news stories for Jan. 16, 2025 Conan O’Brien to receive Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Conan O’Brien has been named the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

O'Brien, 61, has carved out an improbable decades-long career arc, moving from goofy television interloper to comedic elder statesman.

Conan O’Brien, the writer turned late-night host turned podcaster, will receive the Twain Prize for American humor at Kennedy Center on March 23.

Comedian Conan O'Brien was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy. Known for his dynamic career, O'Brien moved from a 'Late Night' host to the 'Tonight Show' and, later, a new era with a show on TBS.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien on March 23, 2025, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists,

"I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot," O'Brien said in a release from The Kennedy Center.

There are very few people in the world with a resume like Conan O'Brien. The former late-night show host has written for "Saturday Night Live" and "The

Mark Twain recipients are honored with a night of testimonials and video tributes, often featuring previous award winners. The ceremony will stream on Netflix at a later date yet to be announced.