Ben Stiller on Adam Sandler | 2023 Mark Twain Prize

Watch the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Adam Sandler on CNN.com or CNNgo.
www.kennedy-center.org/whats-...
The Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, was awarded to Adam Sandler at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy -- including Chris Rock, Conan O'Brien, Ben Stiller, Dana Carvey, Pete Davidson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Anniston, Idina Menzel, David Spade, and more -- on March 19, 2023, and aired nationally on CNN on March 26, 2023.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.
“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter about this year’s recipient. “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy.”
#MarkTwainPrize #AdamSandler #benstiller #kennedycenter #cnn
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[@jamesmegadick4878]

I would've loved to see Norm MacDonald on this. RIP Norm

[@mizztree81]

Him and Chris Farley

[@SandwichMan1764]

I didn't even think about that...made me sad 😢

[@williamboyle8918]

Phil hartman

[@gloriousginger]

Let's say, Norm made the powers that be bring us this event.😇

[@dextermorgan4432]

That would have been amazing

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

Ben Stiller single-handedly defined comedy movies in the 2000s. He was the reason why so many masterpieces were made back. The comedy scene feels empty now, without Ben doing his thing

[@OldVikingSchool]

The comedies released during 95-04 were spot on amazing for that time, re-watching them now I understand the jokes and laugh but those younger than me finds them inappropriate, cringe, and offensive. It's was an era of every joke being acceptable as the jokes brought people of different backgrounds, challenges, and languages together. Now we can't joke about everything, people become divided and starts hating each other again. Stiller, Sandler, Spade, Chappelle, Murphy, Brown, Farley, Tucker, Brennan, Ferrell, and of course Sarah Silverman all led the way to unite people through jokes and laughs.

[@slamdunk2270]

The golden age of comedy was Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey. They’re two of the greatest for me. Far above Sandler. They’re in the same league as Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

[@R.B.90]

I'd go with Will Ferrell but to each their own.

[@greenbluemonkey]

Yeah Stiller belongs there ahead of Sandler for sure

[@andromedaiscoming185]

Meet the parents, Tropic Thunder and Zoolander. Those three movies cement Ben in my mind as on of the funniest comedians to ever live.

[@YodaMasterOfTheUniverse]

Ben is such a classic comedian, love his delivery. Such a wonderful friend to have.

[@vrvaughn]

@@purefoldnz3070 Took the words right out of my mouth.. although I was leaning more towards “what a prick”

[@MichaelGiordano777]

And much funnier than Adam will ever be. With better movies.

[@roddy3633]

@@purefoldnz3070 what did he do wrong?

[@hungrybamba]

@@purefoldnz3070 much less than you are that's for sure lmfao

[@4nakinSkywalker]

I thought I was your snack pack

[@mattsheezy5469]

“You could trouble me for a warm glass of Shut The Hell Up… you’re in My world now Grandma”

[@justin57153]

😆I think about that line weekly.

[@rhysjones1108]

Man stiller was so dark in that movie, might not be my favourite movie, but it’s probably my favourite couple lines from him. So funny

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Big Brother Cock Grand Prize

[@ItsCarleebitchez]

I just called my momma to remind her of this line hahahahah thank you

[@michaelshelton7196]

Lmaoo

[@jeffreykipperman6894]

So great watching Adam Sandler roast Adam Sandler!

[@Blue-gs5gg]

I thought i was the only one...who always felt so.. 🥲. They do look lot lot like brothers..

[@muhammadfurqanahmed9529]

Nope to you both

[@_Wade_]

Never a truer statement said.

[@squidjames7735]

Really???

[@superxnatrl1941]

what?

[@ThePeej]

“Under the surface, there’s just so much more to it… I mean… there has to be!”

[@JRQTV]

His comedic timing was perfection. Actually it was the best joke of his entire career. I’ve never found him funny until this one joke. Well done Ben. You did it.

[@m1l1t1am1ke]

​@@JRQTV I'm sure he's thrilled

[@shannonsteven3982]

Ben is heavily underrated by today's audience. It's amazing how almost every persons presentation ends with a story that essentially just say's when they were in a bad place, Sandler was the person that either came to them all, or they all went to.

[@adriantrusca1245]

He's a fucking millionaire. Relax.

[@rdantunano]

@@adriantrusca1245 Millionaires are people, and no person is exempt from dealing with mental illness.

[@rdantunano]

I totally agree with you. People forget that Ben directed Robert Downey Jr. in his second Oscar nomination. Also, Severance is a delight, possibly his best work as a director.

[@shannonsteven3982]

@@adriantrusca1245 Being a millionaire doesn't really take away from your work being under appreciated.

[@noles9998]

Those Ben stiller shorts he used to make are comedy gold.

[@user_mll374]

This is a feel-good room filled with good people, who are ACTUALLY there to celebrate their friend Adam Sandler. It's beautiful 💙💙💙

[@MScrista24]

Honestly this was so good and the positive shit we needed

[@mediocreman2]

Can't say they're good people, but they're having fun and celebrating.

[@blushingfrieza]

You can tell they actually love that man, and it's bc of how nice is actually is to everyone.

[@user_mll374]

@@blushingfrieza Totally 💯

[@DeadDogInc]

​@@mediocreman2 Just like I can't say you're a good person right?

[@B-Mag]

Ben Stiller is one of the best nepobabies we’ve had. He’s a better director than he is an actor and he’s still a solid actor

[@slamdunk2270]

Those opinions are crazy 😂 Ben Stiller is top 2 best comedic actor with Jim Carrey. What are you smoking? Have you ever seen Everything about Marry, Along Came Polly, Starsky and Hutch, Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, Duplex, Meet the Fockers, Walter Mitty, The Heartbreak kid ?! They’re the funniest movies ever made.

[@jmodified]

@@slamdunk2270 Nothing but cringe humor in Meet the Parents/Fockers and some of the others, but Topic Thunder and Zoolander were great. I like Stiller when he goes "full cartoon" but not in semi-realistic movies where "the cringe is the humor".

[@shortsellerslie]

@@slamdunk2270I think you missed the point lol

[@Blujonny11]

Ben Stiller is one of the best '2023 hashtag words' we've ever had. There, fixed it. Probably better to worry about your own noob generation of actors/actresses.

[@misterbobby8913]

Ben Stiller is an Amazing Actor, don't downplay his Acting

[@daleburnfart6845]

While I cant remember the last time it felt like someone's actual friends showed up to celebrate their real friend, this felt 100% authentic and I am so Hppy for Adam and all the friends he has in his life.

[@LazyEyeNZ]

Ben and Adam are legends. The Meyerowitz Stories is such an underrated movie.

[@MegaVSable]

I love that movie i was always waiting for the 2 together in a movie. Sad that they only did it once as fas as i know

[@LazyEyeNZ]

@@MegaVSable agreed and the closest thing before that was when Ben Stiller had a cameo in Happy Gilmore.

[@666size666]

It's one of the 20% of Sandler movies that doesn't suck.

[@atomicsmith]

It IS an underrated movie. Seemed to slip by most people, but it may be the best Noah Baumbach film.

[@pipolow5478]

93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Where is it underrated?

[@ConradB]

Brings me sheer joy to see how much fun Adam is having during this

[@adammiller6606]

Me too. Precious moments for sure. Genuine appreciation, friendship, respect, good taste and Witt. Refreshing. ☮️and thank you all.

[@BobABooey.]

Ben Stiller doing Bruce Springsteen, just the stories is a classic.

[@AarlandSun]

Click was incredible in both its humor and down right heartbreaking drama. The screaming in the rain brings forth tears everytime. Great movie with Sandler.

[@JB_083]

Underrated movie!

[@allendulles2481]

It's a fucked up film. It goes from a funny goofy comedy to a serious, depressing, psychological horror movie. It's creepy.

[@jayg5699]

One of his best movies ngl

[@jq8974]

I just love how Mr Overachiever can’t help but love his chill “lazy” friend 😉

[@samholder196]

you can tell all his peers just love him so much

[@waheedahosein9496]

Ben should do a stand up! 😂❤ Got it all from his parents!

[@tomsevcik1792]

That speech was all stand-up I was laughing the whole time

[@TheJcman72]

Those two are true icons of their generation.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

They certainly are. 😊

[@whatistau]

late 90s and 2k were truly a special time in comedy, both pop and festival level. Adam & Ben ruled

[@crowlee5111]

I wish I had friends like Adam’s friends and I wish i had a friend like Adam. Looks like they had great times and love for one another for so many years. Nowadays you can only wish for 1 good genuine loyal friend but he’s got countless. He treats them all like his own family. Love Adam! Great man and great heart!

[@FreckledFoxx]

Comparing Adam Sandler to a chocolate chip cookie and bowl of fettuccine Alfredo is so spot on. His movies are like comfort food for a whole generation.

[@patriciabagby90]

Ben, you and your dad and a jazz musician helped me decide to move to NY. I was here with my late husband, on a trip to see if we really wanted to move here. So far we had hated much of it. We decided to take a break by going to see Doc Cheatham at a club. Waiting for the set to start, we saw Jerry Stiller come in with his young son, and were thrilled. Right after that, the music started, with "I'll Take Manhattan." We looked at each other and said, that’s it, we're moving here. Thanks for being part of that decision! 😊

[@marysilvergirl6025]

Ben Stiller is so brilliant!

[@jetpark3743]

I just love every Stiller movie. Also his director work is top notch

[@Famous5821]

Me too. Sadly So many people just don't "get him" though....

[@rickyray2794]

Ben Stiller has always been my favorite of the comedic actors, but all these guys are legends.

[@amyscheele5180]

I have never felt so old as i do now watching this. I'm 38 and I've watched all of these presenters growing up. When they were at their height. Now, seeing Ben Stiller, Rob Schneider, Steve Buchemi etc so much older with grey hair, i have finally realized, I am old as hell! Man how great it was growing up in the 90's!!!!

[@gray-fox6789]

Im just glad to be a kid in the late 90's and early 2000...adam Sandler and bBen stiller are just to precious.. Love them! ❤️

[@iamworthy1302]

Ben Stiller needs one obviously

[@Lori-lp6uc]

💕💖💕 Ben. So talented yet not afraid of self- depreciating humor.

[@bluefm7370]

Rarely have I seen quote the "stars" together and appearing genuinely at ease with each other and simply in the moment. How can you not like these folks...❤

[@gb3679]

Stiller killed it! 🎉🔥🔥🔥🎉

[@angelarorrer8055]

I’m Christian and I can’t wait to hear the Hannukah Song each year. As a Gen X, I heard it when Sandler originally aired it on SNL. GOOD TIMES!!

[@montraedavis2201]

So happy Adam is getting his roses. He is very talented and funny! Happy Gilmore, Water boy, and Wedding singer are my all time favorites! Congratulations!!

[@ACD1994]

Give Ben Stiller his flowers. That monologue was funny as hell. Lol.

[@ZDogg89]

I wanna see a modern comedy with Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler. That'd be great.

[@stephen29]

He would have made a great villain in Happy Gilmore along with Shooter McGavin . (besides the short scenes in the nursing home)

[@AdAstra78]

...I bet it wouldn't...

[@BenAck912]

And Jack Black.

[@claudiamino937]

Ben Stiller ❤❤❤is the best!!

[@cdbrown30]

So I watched The Cable Guy recently.. dark comedy but brilliant! Directed by Ben Stiller

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Ben is looking fabulous.

[@bernardoperez7898]

That sand man impression was spot on 🤣 Ben is hilariously funny with out any effort it seams . Love all his films to me he is the goat of comedy

[@patriciaroberts308]

Ben was born from greatness. Both of his parents were perfection when it came to comedy!!! 💕

[@tomsevcik1792]

I have never met Adam but I did once do extra work on a small budget movie or show. I honestly still don’t even know what it was. But anyways, i met another extra and we striked a conversation. And she said she worked with Adam in Savannah, Ga one time on a film. I was like what was he like?? She told me he was to her surprise the friendliest, nicest, and chillest guy she has ever met. Truly a hero on and off the court. Hats off…

[@user-se6rn3uj8v]

We love everything Ben Stiller has done. Funny as hell.🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤🤍🖤💛👏👏👏👏

[@michaelcarroca9181]

No other Man derserved this award, Sadler is a icon and we all have loved the laughs he has given us, God Bless !!

[@Nozoki]

Well, they give one out every year so there have been plenty of others who have deserved it.

[@perrysrawsoul]

Adam Sandler is phenomenal .... Did you see his performance in 'Uncut Gem' ... Just incredible and raw

[@hermanmunster714]

Great comedian giving props to another. Thank you both for all the great years of comedy.

[@normang663]

Stiller is sctually my fav comedy actor, his jokes are 100% my kinda jokes.

[@saraj-wn1nr]

Just the way the whole time for every speaker Adam leans forward and engages and is loving while listening ❤

[@o.hernandez784]

He is so happy.....

[@972Blake]

Best part of this clip is at 0:19 , Schneider over here looking like James Spader.

[@knives5964]

Spade, Rock, Sandler, Schneider, Buscemi these guys made my childhood in terms of comedy films.

[@dreamsct3589]

2 my favorites ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mackadoo101]

Awesome and great job Ben Stiller!

[@deepsarros1]

Zeeeeee Best of the Night!! Thank you Ben!!

[@Joker12293]

Damn it breaks my heart seeing all these legendary comedians get older, some of their humor might be corny but the when you look back on all the movies they've made, they still stand the test of time and are unmatched to any comedy films that are out there these days.

[@rhysjones1108]

Ya like I can’t stand the fake accent sandier does anymore but thinking back on his movies they really shaped alot of our childhoods. Same with Jim carrey in my opinion, makes me nauseous to see him still try to pull of physical humour and corny jokes at this age but god damn he almost couldn’t miss back then.

[@MrZzombieee]

Out of everyone, buscemi killed me the most. Such a wonderful actor and genuine heart.

[@dancepiglover]

It was inevitable for several people people to end up doing an impression of 90’s Adam Sandler. And it’s funny every time. 😂

[@TighelanderII]

Recently, I can't help but insert "It's Ben Stiller!" into the lyrics of the song, "Thriller".

[@jiffjiffernson7292]

Stiller rocks!

[@KurtG85]

"Keep lying to yourselves" 🤣😂 God I love Adam. He and Farley were the heroes of my childhood.

[@loveforeignaccents]

Ben and Adam are indeed two of the funniest when it comes to comedies!!!

[@BenSkyLakewood]

Great stuff

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

Ben also deserves this award

[@joen8529]

I love Ben Stiller 😂🤣

[@yavuzsabuncuoglu]

Ben & Adam are best comedians.

[@houndmother2398]

I love the wedding singer.

[@barianpixandvids]

So great

[@jm844]

miss these guys, found you all accidentally . memories.

[@terrikennedy5038]

"Well, now your back's gonna hurt, cuz you just pulled landscaping duty.... anybody else's fingers hurt?!" LOVE.

[@BrokenArrow1984]

This was sooo good! I loved his speech better than the rest, it had me in tears!

[@tomjakab9634]

Ben Stiller's "Manson" skit from his show with Bob Odenkirk as Manson is truly inspired.

[@AfternoonFocus]

"There has to be." Perfect.

[@fackery8438]

Ben Stiller deserves one

[@janeeyre7438]

I dont know why I feel so happy knowing that Ben and Adam are friends.

[@Majinjef2099]

Ben Still is my guy.

[@mewsao]

I love these two so much

[@stevesnodgrass7434]

Seems like Adam is always having fun

[@Burgmannn]

"There has to be!" 😂😅

[@genagena127]

Love you Ben Stiller!

[@titansrule72]

love stiller as much as i do sandler. two comedic geniuses.

[@aukele9256]

Congratulations Adam, we’ll deserved

[@joannejohnson7006]

I love both these idiots 😂😂❤❤

[@benrosn8154]

Ben Stiller is literally one of the most talented people of all time

[@floodwaters8887]

Meet the Parents movies still my favourites LoL

[@RecklessFables]

So much layered truth in these jokes

[@dyskelia]

Adam Sandler is a UNESCO world heritage dude 😭🥰😭

[@orapeker6121]

Adam, thanks for making us laugh, being true to our Jewish nationality, and being a celebrity neighbor in Boca. We would love to meet you in person in Boca. Best wishes ❤️

[@JoboMcFakeAF]

Ben could've easily won this award too dude

[@pascoalgomespg]

I love them both. I remember that in the beginning I didn't know them and used to mistake them. Then, I realized one is shorter than the other and it helped me distinguish their features.

[@isabelledesu]

beautiful.

[@tkrpclips8363]

Very talented

[@missydavis6678]

Adam Sandler has earned respect because hes loving and steady. Sand Man!

[@genuinejustin6269]

Wtf who knew Ben Stiller could probably pull off Stand Up Comedy. Dude is actually hilarious. Funnier than his movies, except Tropic Thunder.

[@enkor349]

Click was funny also

[@promi4259]

Zoolander was really funny.

[@ContentWizard]

Although TT was indeed my favorite BS movie, Something About Mary is a classic as well!

[@promi4259]

Actually he was good early on, he was like bruce willis of comedy, after a while he made bad movies...

[@Kotazo85]

sure. Trash boat opertor writes a Vietnam Novel, they turn it Movie and recruit a bunch of psychos to perform as actual soldiers. LOVE IT HAHAHA. THE FATTIES!

[@delilh325]

I've always dreamed about a film with Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler

[@GSVM007]

with class, as always.

[@sphiwemohapi]

I love this. This is amazing, I grew up on Sandler, he truly truly earned his merit. Well done good and faithful servant.

[@strawberryfrogforever]

It's crazy and beautiful how all these funny guys are both hilarious and thoughtful

[@ivanherrera8410]

I deeply admired ben stiller. Such a good role model to follow. Glad he is paying tribute to the legend adam sandler.

[@roymoneyhun2838]

Almost thirty years ago, in the mid-90s, I got to see Adam perform in my university gym in Miami. It was a free show. The place was packed. I wasn't seeing any tv at the time, so I wasn't fully aware of who he was. I'd heard his name, knew he was a comedian who sang goofy songs, but that was the extent of it. During the opening act, people kept yelling, "We want Adam!," which led to a great joke by the opener, but that's another story. Adam finally came out, and it became very obvious that everybody there loved this guy. A funny, funny dude. Thanks, Sandman!

[@brookebennett2113]

Showing the love ❤️ Love it

[@joelkennethjohnson1168]

Two giants in Hollywood who defined their genre❤️

[@timhendricks8913]

I would love a Ben and Adam collaboration.