Bill Maher Honored with Mark Twain Award at Kennedy Center

John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings will be among the guest speakers at the ceremony for Bill Maher receiving the Mark Twain Award for American Humor. The event is set for June 28 at the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center revealed the lineup through an email to members, offering packages from $99 for seating to over $1,500 for added pre- and post-show reception access.

This announcement highlights a change in the center’s identification; the center now uses the name ‘Kennedy Center’ rather than ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ on its homepage. This follows a recent legal decision. A federal judge ruled that the board’s addition of Trump’s name to the venue was illegal, as Congress originally named it after President John F. Kennedy in 1964.

“The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so. Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” stated U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper.

A Kennedy spokesperson suggested the venue could appeal the ruling, although the center’s general counsel advised on cooperation steps, including removing Trump’s name.

Previously overlooked during Trump’s first term, the Kennedy Center became a focal point in his mission against ‘woke’ influences in cultural institutions. He replaced leadership and filled the board with supporters, leading events such as the Kennedy Honors. This prompted multiple artists to cancel appearances, including Issa Rae, Bela Fleck, and Renée Fleming.

Maher is the 27th recipient of the Twain Award, joining past honorees such as Leno, Steve Martin, and Tina Fey. Despite a feud between Trump and Maher, the HBO host remains a figure some Republicans appreciate due to his critiques of Hollywood culture.

Additional guests for the ceremony include comedian Louis C.K., who resumed his career after misconduct allegations in 2017, and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, known for sparking debates with his outspoken views.