The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced that comedian and television host Bill Maher will be the 2026 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on April 6, 2026, and will be taped for a later national broadcast on PBS.
Maher, the longtime host of HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," is being recognized for his influence on American society through his humor and social commentary. The Kennedy Center stated that his career, spanning over three decades in stand-up, television, and film, embodies the satirical tradition of the prize's namesake.
The Mark Twain Prize is awarded annually to individuals who have had a significant impact on American society in the tradition of Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain. Past recipients include Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle, and Tina Fey. The selection confirms earlier reports and ends speculation about the 2026 honoree.
The ceremony will feature tributes from notable figures in entertainment, with proceeds supporting the Kennedy Center's education and artistic programming. A PBS broadcast date for the ceremony will be announced at a later time.
