Conan O’Brien Presents an Exceptional Tribute in His Acceptance Speech for the Mark Twain Prize
Conan O’Brien Accepts Mark Twain Prize, Utilizes Platform to Advocate for Satire and Critique Authority
On March 23, 2025, the renowned comedian, television writer, and host Conan O’Brien took the spotlight at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to receive the esteemed Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. This award, regarded as one of the pinnacle honors in comedy, has a long-standing tradition of recognizing prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to American satire and culture. In what became one of the most politically charged speeches in the award’s annals, O’Brien transformed the occasion into a potent — yet nuanced — denunciation of the leadership influenced by Trump that has recently taken hold at the Kennedy Center.
O’Brien’s address skirted direct references to the recent political fracas enveloping the institution. Nonetheless, his core message resonated with clear opposition to the ideological shifts prompted by President Donald Trump’s impact, particularly his appointment as chairman following a revamping of the Kennedy Center’s board with political allies. Rather than explicitly naming figures, O’Brien invoked the principles of Mark Twain as a reflection of today’s sociocultural and political climate.
“In Love With an Imperfect America”
O’Brien characterized Twain as “a patriot in the most commendable fashion,” someone who “cherished America while recognizing its profound imperfections.” In discussing Twain’s aversion to “populism, jingoism, imperialism, and the money-obsessed frenzy of the Gilded Age,” O’Brien seemed to critique the recent rise of nationalist and authoritarian discourse evident in contemporary U.S. political scenarios.
He revisited how Twain crafted intensely flawed and often abusive characters — such as Huck Finn’s alcoholic father and Pudd’nhead Wilson’s Tom Driscoll — not merely as narrative elements but as commentaries on injustice and cruelty. “He aimed his critiques upward, not down,” O’Brien remarked. “And he profoundly, profoundly empathized with the vulnerable.”
While never mentioning the current administration by name, the comedian reflected on the diminishing rights and liberties during Trump’s third presidential term. O’Brien hinted at ongoing assaults on free expression, the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, budget cuts to the Department of Education and National Endowment for the Humanities, and escalating censorship within American classrooms and libraries.
“Comedy Is Inextricably Linked to This”
O’Brien’s address extended beyond the political realm to celebrate fundamental comedic values — irreverence, humility, and self-awareness — which he regarded as critical to both democracy and American satire. “The comedy I have cherished throughout my life is that which is self-reflective, deflating, and committed to the notion that we are all flawed, absurd, and grappled together in the muck,” he noted to roaring applause.
The address transpired amid a tumultuous period for the Kennedy Center itself. The institution has encountered increasing uncertainty since the reshaping of its leadership and direction under Trump, raising alarms among artists, donors, and the creative community. O’Brien, with his characteristic humor, acknowledged the absence of previous prominent figures: “I’m not sure why they’re not present,” he said, referring to former Kennedy Center leaders David Rubenstein and Deborah Rutter, adding with a grin, “I lost Wi-Fi in January. I’m assuming they’re stuck in traffic.”
O’Brien later shifted to a more solemn tone, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Kennedy Center’s staff and performers. “My eternal appreciation for their selfless commitment to the arts,” he remarked — prompting a standing ovation — only to humorously deflate the moment with a classic quip: “That was sufficient.”
From Late Night Writer to Mark Twain Recipient
Conan O’Brien’s career is recognized as one of the longest and most creatively fulfilling in American comedy. Following early contributions to Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, he gained national fame when NBC selected him in 1993 to succeed David Letterman as host of Late Night. Over the ensuing decades, he cultivated a distinct comedic persona characterized by intellectual absurdity, incisive interviews, and heartfelt monologues.
O’Brien’s honors encompass five Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild Awards, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Host. He is also lauded within the industry for mentoring up-and-coming comics and his successful transition to digital platforms post his departure from network television in 2021.
Coming Soon to Netflix
The complete 2025 Mark Twain Prize ceremony — featuring the performances, heartfelt roasts, and O’Brien’s unforgettable acceptance speech — will be accessible for streaming on Netflix starting May 4. Audiences will have the opportunity to witness a rare instance where comedy transformed into a quiet form of protest, and where one of America’s most experienced satirists stood in defense of the very principles Twain once championed: humor, resistance to hypocrisy, and compassion for the marginalized.
As O’Brien stood beneath the imposing columns of an institution currently ensnared in political turmoil, he managed — with intellect, bravery, and poise — to remind America not only of how to