THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval <p>WASHINGTON &#8212; Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump&#8217;s presence wasn&#8217;t far away.</p>

Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center ... Bill Maher arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is seen, as its sign remains covered by a tarp, Friday, June 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) WASHINGTON (AP) — ComedianBill Maherwas being awarded the prestigiousMark Twain Prize for American Humoron Sunday in what might be one of the last major onstage moments at theKennedy Centerfor the next several years. The award has been presented since 1998 as a way to recognize those who have made significant contributions to humor and commentary in the United States. Previous winners includeConan O’Brien,Dave Chappelle,Julia Louis-Dreyfus,David Letterman,Carol BurnettandTina Fey. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Maher called the prize a great honor. “Who doesn’t like awards and wouldn’t want to be compared to Mark Twain, especially for what I do?” he said. “And, you know, they’ve had a lot of amazing winners who I’m huge fans of. Not all of them are anything like Mark Twain. I am at least somewhat like Mark Twain. ... He …

Bill Maher wins Mark Twain humor prize - KCCI 8 News Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval WEBVTT THE CARS GUESS DOWN SECONDS LATER. THE DRIVE WEARS NOT HURT. I MEAN, YOUR CITY WAS NOT LEVELED BY GODZILLA. TALKING ABOUT THE CITIES OF BOSTON. THAT LITTLE CRACK IS FALLING FLAT TONIGHT. HE LIKENS THE BOSTON MARATHON TRAGEDY TO ANOTHER EVERY DAY CAR CRASH. WCVB NEWSCENTER 5'S KIMBERLY BOOKMAN, TONIGHT, IS LIVE IN BOSTON WITH NEW OUTRAGE FROM THE OWN PEERS TONIGHT. KIMBERLY INTO THAT IS RIGHT, HEATHER. TALK TO ANYONE THEM WILL TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED IN BOSTON HERE EIGHT MONTHS AGO IS NO LAUGHING MATTER. IN FACT, THIS FINISH LYNN IS CONSIDERED SAFER GROUND. AS A PROVOCATIVE POLITICAL COME HEN TATE ARE AND STAND-UP COMIC. BILL MAHER IS KNOWN TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE. ON FRIDAY NIGHT, HE DID JUST THAT TARGETING BOSTON STRONG. IT WAS, AGAIN, AD ABOUT DAY. THREE PEOPLE DIED. THAT IS TERRIBLE. MORE WERE MAINED. THAT IS HORRIBLE. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT HAP ENDS EVER DAY IN CAR ACCIDENTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE. YOUR CITY WAS NOT LEVELED BY GODZILLA. ON THI…

Bill Maher wins Mark Twain humor prize <p>Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval</p>

Bill Maher Claims Mark Twain Prize at Kennedy Center Ceremony Bill Maher Paul Morigi/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Behind the billowy facade-covering tarp that yet still covers the original name of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, the Center’s Concert Hall lit up in laughter during Bill Maher ’s remarks as he received the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday evening. The prize, named in honor of the great American humorist, was awarded at a gala performance that featured a set of Maher’s friends in politics and comedy, including Whitney Cummings, Louis C.K., Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Stephen A. Smith, and Jay Leno, rounded out with a live performance by John Mellencamp. Related Stories TV Wanda Sykes Claims Bill Maher Confronted Her About Golden Globes Joke, Calling It "Stupid" TV Louis C.K., Jay Leno and Stephen A. Smith Among Big Names Set for Bill Maher's Mark Twain Prize Ceremony (Exclusive) Maher and his fellow com…

Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates ... Bill Maher has accepted the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor WASHINGTON --ComedianBill Maherwas the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But PresidentDonald Trump'spresence wasn't far away. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the stage and, in Trump's voice, joked that he would accept the award himself. Trump was a punchline for other comedians and entertainers, including Whitney Cummings, Jay Leno and Woody Harrelson. For the most part, the barbs weren't particularly biting. Cummings, for instance, said that under Trump's influence, the Kennedy Center would host “white ‘Hamilton.’” And once Friend left the stage, Maher largely steered clear of hitting the president. The commentary was nonetheless notable for unfolding in an iconic performing arts venue thatTrump has gone to extraordinary lengthsto bend to his favor, leaving its future in the coming years uncertain. Accepting the award, Maher derided extremes in both political parties, rejecting what he ca…

Bill Maher accepts Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates ... Bill Maher attends the 27th Mark Twain Prize For American Humor Gala at The Kennedy Center on Sunday. Paul Morigi / Getty Images Share Add NBC News to Google June 29, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT By The Associated Press Comedian Bill Maher was the guest of honor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. But President Donald Trump’s presence wasn’t far away. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. Just moments after Maher began to accept the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Matt Friend, a leading impersonator of the president, took to the stage and, in Trump’s voice, joked that he would accept the award himself. Trump was a punchline for other comedians and entertainers, including Whitney Cummings, Jay Leno and Woody Harrelson. For the most part, the barbs weren’t particularly biting. Cummings, for instance, said that under Trump’s influence, the Kennedy Center would host “white ‘Hamilton.’” And once Friend left the stage, Maher largely steered clear of hitting the president. The commentary was nonetheless notable for unfolding in an iconic perf…

Bill Maher wins Mark Twain humor prize - WBBH Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval Advertisement Updated: 8:36 PM EDT Jun 28, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ STEVEN SLOAN Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval Updated: 8:36 PM EDT Jun 28, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ STEVEN SLOAN WASHINGTON — Comedian Bill Maher was being awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday in what might be one of the last major onstage moments at the Kennedy Center for the next several years. Advertisement The award has been presented since 1998 as a way to recognize those who have made significant contributions to humor and commentary in the United States. Previous winners include Conan O'Brien, Dave Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Carol Burnett and Tina Fey. Video above: Bill Maher criticizes Boston Red Sox marathon tribute Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Maher called the prize a great honor. "Who doesn't like awards and wouldn't want to be compared to Mark Twain, especially for what I do?" he said. "And, you know, they've had a lot of amazing winners who I'…