Kevin Hart Set for 2024 Mark Twain Prize Honor

Kevin Hart is the next recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American humor.

Hart, who starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Netflix’s Me Time buddy comedy and will appear in Eli Roth’s big-screen adaptation of the popular video game franchise Borderlands and Netflix’s comedy-thriller Lift, will be recognized for his contribution to American culture and comedy with an award named after the 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain.

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“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement on Wednesday.

Hart, who has his own entertainment company, Hartbeat, welcomed the honor in a statement. “I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” he said. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life. I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture.”

Hart recently toured internationally with his latest stand-up concert, The Reality Check Tour. Past winners of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize include Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, George Carlin, Carol Burnett, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jon Stewart and last year Adam Sandler.

Hart will be celebrated at a gala event at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center on March 24, 2024.

The 25th Mark Twain Prize will be produced by David Jammy and Done+Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018. Broadcast details for the tribute to Kevin Hart and fellow performers who will be on hand for the evening will be announced at a later date.

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