Kevin Hart Honored with The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Comedy legend Kevin Hart was celebrated with the prestigious Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on March 24 at the esteemed Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The star-studded event brought together a host of renowned comedians and actors to pay tribute – and throw in a few good-natured jabs – at the highly successful comedian.

The ceremony, set to be available for streaming on Netflix on May 11, featured an array of entertainers, including Lil Dicky, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, the Plastic Cup Boyz, Keith Robinson, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and J.B. Smoove. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as friends and fellow comedians shared their thoughts on Hart’s career and its impact on the industry.

Throughout the ceremony, jests and jokes were made, with Seinfeld humorously cracking, ‘I can’t think of much Kevin Hart could do for me. I don’t want to be in Jumanji.’ Chelsea Handler, in her signature comedic style, quipped, ‘I am so glad that Kevin came into my life, because I always wanted to know what it would be like if 50 Cent and I had a baby.’

Even host Jimmy Fallon joined in on the fun, strumming a guitar and donning a bolo tie while playfully poking fun at Hart’s height, saying, ‘He’s so humble and down to Earth, but his feet don’t touch the ground in a chair.’

In his acceptance speech, Kevin Hart expressed his gratitude, declaring to the audience, ‘I breathe for you. I live for you.’ He attributed much of his success to his mother, stating, ‘Take my mom away, and I don’t have an idea of what I want or who I want to be.’ Hart reflected on his journey, noting, ‘I fell in love with something I could do for the rest of my life. I committed to comedy. I fell in love with something I can grab onto. All my eggs are in this basket and oh my God I’m happy with my choice.’

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has been a prestigious honor for comedians since its inception. Previous recipients include comedy icons like Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Carol Burnett, Eddie Murphy, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Kevin Hart now joins this esteemed list of honorees, solidifying his legacy in the world of comedy.