Bill Maher Confirmed for 2026 Mark Twain Prize

Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher has been confirmed as the recipient of the 2026 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, following an initial denial from White House officials that sparked a brief controversy. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the selection on Thursday, with the ceremony scheduled for June 28 at the venue in Washington, D.C., one of the final public events before its two-year closure for renovations.

The award, established in 1998 to honor individuals who have influenced American society and humor in the spirit of Mark Twain, recognizes Maher's decades-long career in comedy and political commentary. Previous recipients include Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Eddie Murphy, Jon Stewart, David Letterman and Carol Burnett. The event will be broadcast on Netflix.

The announcement came after a report last week indicated Maher's selection, prompting swift pushback from the Trump administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated at the time, "This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award." Communications Director Steven Cheung echoed the denial, calling it "Literally FAKE NEWS." A government spokesperson later clarified...