Idina Menzel's hilarious turn as "Opera Man" for Adam Sandler | 2023 Mark Twain Prize

Watch the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Adam Sandler on CNN.com or CNNgo.
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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 #idinamenzel #kennedycenter #cnn
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[@YodaMasterOfTheUniverse]

The tribute to Adam Sandler's 'Opera Man' is just bonkers... OMG IDINA killed this, and props to the writer, this was absolute comedic genius.

[@SuperJNG18]

Robert Smigel himself probably wrote it, or at least it wouldn’t surprise me much if he did. I’m pretty sure he came back to write it when Adam hosted SNL.

[@fredwerza3478]

@@SuperJNG18 Smigel is a genius

[@Didigigi18]

chatGPT was probably leveraged to write this :)

[@YourFriend_Ben]

dEFINITELY bEST OF sHOW!

[@santieepstein3217]

Brilliant 😂

[@aaronorenstein5963]

One of the best tributes and riffs ever done for a comedian.

[@missingbitz9831]

Who knew that Idina Menzel's bit would be the best of the night?

[@NikkiJayArtistry]

i agree this was very entraining and you can tell everyone has genuine love for the guy

[@eanderson1974]

Idina's performance is absolutely hilarious. Love the pianist and the backup singers too.

[@jenniferjones5193]

What is that last song called?

[@bradyguy7701]

@@jenniferjones5193 That was Funiculi Funicula'...a 19th-century ditty written to celebrate the first funicular (cable railway) on Mount Vesuvius. True story!!

[@jenniferjones5193]

@@bradyguy7701 thank you so much! I had figured it out but I do appreciate the answer!!

[@gunpuntuhong4531]

Travolta is at home like “this adele dazeem sure can sing” 🤣🙏🏼

[@viktormuerte]

Underrated comment. 👍

[@franklingoodwin]

Well she is the wickedly talented and the one and only...

[@glowsuds]

Omg 😂😂😂

[@Sluggergirl]

The writing for this song is awesome, and Idina with her voice and timing was incredible!

[@petikan]

I have to say this beats all the other Mark Twain Prize shows in the past. The guys that paid tributes to Adam what they all said truly come from their hearts. What more can someone ask for? True friends and a wonderful career.

[@doctorsuave]

The only thing missing was Norm Macdonald's speech, but for some reason it's very hard to book him.

[@mrj8214]

And Chris Farley.😢

[@Debthouse]

Thank you to the casting directors of _Uncut Gems_ without whose casting of Idina in that movie would not have culminated in this masterpiece. Grazie, grazie!

[@Hehe-qq5sg]

Don't know why but when she says "the Spade, the Schneider, and the Buscemi" with the shot of those three legends, it sounds and looks epic

[@jopalm3649]

Two legends and Rob Schneider.

[@ellierose6]

This needs more views. The pianist. Epic. All of it.

[@itsmefrisco]

Who are you to say what piano videos need more views.

[@ellierose6]

@@itsmefrisco I am me, and I think the clip needs more views. Sounds like you disagree. But do carry on, by all means. Honestly, people should only post things that you approve. Tyranny for KZbin! Heil Francisco!

[@leadoucet1432]

​@@ellierose6 s/he/it probably upvoted its own video. Love your answer.

[@garykass114]

@@itsmefrisco It's called an opinion.

[@betweentheripples8847]

@@itsmefrisco Who isn't he to say it? And who are you to ask? Oh, it's you Frisco! The arbiter of KZbin comments. My bad.

[@rahulmathur8141]

This is legendary! When she said “you make me proud to be a Jew” I got pumped up! I’m not even Jewish!

[@raqueldeshow9678]

Whaahaha same!!

[@williamtendo7835]

😂😂😂😂😂 This is perfect ❤

[@karinfiore3202]

Me too!

[@petikan]

Well, you can be Jew ish...

[@rahulmathur8141]

@@petikan yes! In my heart

[@gray-fox6789]

I still can't believe how they get Idina Menzel to sing this score, so hilarious and what a lovely voice! ❤️❤️🤣🤣

[@kermitadkins9498]

He's worth about 400 mil. I'm sure they'll find a way lol. Great performance though

[@mikesmoviemadness24]

And they worked together in Uncut Gems which, by Hollywood Law, means she now is friends for life with him.

[@baritonebroker]

I would be floored with a wave from Idina. A tribute like this to anyone is priceless.

[@kentvonmiddledorm677]

Man, she is amazing. That was wonderful, and hilarious.

[@RobertAWolf]

My love for Idina Menzel has grown even larger, if that's possible! Bravo!!

[@shindean]

They threw the Roses! I love watching the Mark Twain awards every year, everyone brings out the best to honor their friends.

[@ladytokoni]

The awards feel like the last great thing from Hollywood.

[@gardenlover9663]

This raises the Mark Twain celebration bar-a. A toast to you, Adam. 🍾 Thanks for the many laughs. ❤️

[@jms1263]

I would have stood for this. Phenomenal

[@pyoliswatija2581]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

But you didn't kneel for blacks? Racist

[@papillonvu]

Yes but that wouldn’t be appropriate seeing as it’s a tribute to an actual person being honored!

[@Juggernuts]

all the fun they make of sneider is what made this that much funnier

[@YodaMasterOfTheUniverse]

1:41 Jennifer and Drew disagrees HAHAHAHHA look at their smiles! LMAO

[@bluerayseries]

I saw that also. Lol.

[@lauradill1447]

AMAZING TRIBUTE..... killer timing ... EVERYONE was hanging by a single thread waiting for the next verse... way to go.

[@KCNwokoye]

Talent overflowing with Idina ❤️

[@BlaPorte03]

the level of talent involved in this. damn!!!

[@LongNeckLives]

Severely underrated bit, this was pure gold😂

[@Brendissimo1]

Yup. That's a Broadway star right there.

[@Jabroniville]

haha, Idina was fantastic! She needs to do more comedy. Gorgeous and hilarious, in addition to a powerful singer. She's actually kinda better doing rock & operatic-type stuff than the belting people expect from her.

[@mshalo1822]

I don't know why this doesn't have more views. Idina was hilarious!

[@rajpillai5225]

Its like fine wine, not everyone can appreciate it.

[@tishw4576]

This is going down in history as one of the best tribute songs. I rarely laugh out loud and boy is this funny.

[@papski188]

Holy cow I can't stop laughing! This is so well done! What a great tribute!!

[@BlakieTT]

Idina, you are FANTASTIC! 😍 Also, COCO IS ALIIIIIIIIIIVE! 🥰

[@luisalbertonina797]

We all love Adam. Such a talented and normal guy.

[@gdionwood]

My gosh she's so brilliant! Entertaining, funny and tear jerking at the same time! Kudos Idina! & glad Vinnie Barbarino wasn't around this time, lol!

[@charleybarley914]

Watching the opera man character in the early 90s....I never saw this tribute coming.

[@monkeybmcgee]

She killed!!!

[@richmorlang1854]

Hell yeah!! Adam so deserves this!!

[@vpalamo78]

Wow!!! Witty, witty, witty! Smiles & laughter all the way through 👏🏽👏🏽

[@piotrmitrega2765]

Incredible woman, incredible tribute

[@phenom5817]

I really like IM.. she’s so pretty, and apparently hilarious! Much love to the Sand Man!

[@neeshaahmed6866]

AMAZING!!!! Simply Incredible!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@pamelabonaparte9383]

Oh my god that was Brilliant……….👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🍾♥️

[@mayflower7811]

Why didn't anyone through roses for Idina she deserves it she was both talented and funny give Idina her flowers

[@rajpillai5225]

Idina knocked it out of the park. What a tribute! And she played a powerful role in "Uncut gems".

[@zeekflash6924]

Omfg .. that was so good .😅 Adam Sandler is 🇺🇸 America’s treasure, thank u sir

[@BrutusMaximusAurelius]

It’s been a while since I’ve laughed this hard! This was amazing and hilarious!

[@lucasskywheeler9818]

wow good for him adam has been my favorite since i was 8 and saw Happy Gilmore in the theater keep em coming brother ! WE LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jamesdooling4139]

Keeping Spade employed got me good!!!😂

[@joeleboeuf]

Idina Menzel, speaking in an Italian tounge. She speaks to me. 😍😇

[@jq8974]

This was great! Kind of schlocky and fun like old SNL. And Adam 😉♥️

[@ambercherise2391]

That was better than I thought it would be.

[@TitoHerreraB]

Wasn't sure what to expect but it was BRILLIANT!!! LOL

[@nadavabudi]

This was one of the best bits on the Mark Twain award EVER.

[@XomarahDickison-vp9dv]

Amazing! She played his wife in uncut jewels

[@BedroomBeethovens]

You mean Unedited Gems

[@caligal1090]

no its uncaht jahmmmms

[@hopefulstarfish7559]

And will be his wife again in You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! ;-)

[@justareplica]

@@caligal1090 I understood this reference

[@MrSatnavatron]

I NEED BEHIND THE SCENES SOOO BAD

[@jpw3654]

It was fun and epic :) Wish they would release them. Some very funny mistakes were made while rehearsing lol

[@comments.cuestionsandconcerns]

adam looks JUST like his dad. EPIC.

[@notoriouslybratty]

Is there anything Idina can’t absolutely slay when she sings.

[@joeleboeuf]

I doubt it.

[@fatsuperfly]

All these have been great! You can really feel the love.

[@Idinagadot.]

She’s hilarious, I love her 😭❤️

[@user-ms3jz7ub7n]

She absolutely killed! Well done!

[@GoBirds808]

In the words of Billy Madison, “das nice”

[@toma5153]

Fantastic tribute. And nothing bleeped or blurred out!

[@broadwaymike92]

Slay Idina!!!! So funny!!

[@gustavocecille2063]

BRAVO! BRAVO! one of the best tributes for the sandman!

[@scarecrow108productions7]

Outstanding performance! 👏👏👏

[@AH-te5gs]

That's a high standard of tribute to live up to.

[@joannejohnson7006]

Adam is loving this tribute 😂

[@GREVIEWS02]

Everyone really is going in on rob

[@tamaraguna]

best of all tonight. i have watched all

[@JammastaJ23]

Lol this was great

[@aidangriffiths5075]

You make us laugh, keep spade employed 😂

[@Geeksmithing]

WOW. KILLED IT!

[@JerkyPuck]

She turned that. 👏

[@joybeans10]

She’s awesome

[@papagrounds]

0:30 Adam and Conan hunting the buffet already 🤣

[@pedropascalDaddy]

The spade the schneider and the bucshemi sounded really good

[@Revolver271]

This is epic. Amazing tribute. 😂

[@p.f.912]

Excellent. Fantastic, Idina!

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

I wish we could find out who wrote that. Maybe Conan O'Brien.

[@bradyguy7701]

Probably Smigel...

[@IPlayOneOnT.V.]

@@bradyguy7701 Maybe....

[@julietchristensen3957]

I wanted this to end with "You scare-a the bambinos!" 🤣

[@Btx931]

Idina is grossly underrated! Love her so much.

[@adrianmatthews3159]

Its so sad that i will never meet this man, of all the people in all the world i would choose to meet Adam Sandler! But even if i saw him in public i would not interrupt him, i know that there is many in the same boat as me, i hope not like the boat in the do-over, david spade your up there too! I love you adam sandler as a human and a comedian my friend! Best of wishes to you and your family sincerely from me and my family in Australia and thank you for all the laughter and happiness you have brought to me and my family over the years, my mother is dying in a nursing home but when i see her we still reminisce about the times we saw your movies for the first time, you are the best, again thank you my friend 😊😂🎉❤

[@colmastro4373]

Holy sht it really is a plug for murder mystery 2 😂😂😂

[@sarak.1742]

This is the best thing this decade 😂

[@wendybaryl6867]

Outstanding!!

[@noirjacques3274]

Brilliantly done- Very clever, hilarious and… WOW, what a voice! ❤😂❤

[@DonoVideoProductions]

Brava! Brava!

[@CuriousEarthMan]

Genius!

[@debbyemerson3877]

Did not expect this to be so good!

[@joannejohnson7006]

Fabulous ❤

[@rogerj.3640]

How can you top this?? 🤣🤣

[@isabelledesu]

this is so amazing and funny

[@matt5283]

Amazing

[@Drnaynay]

Pride!! 💖✡️💪 Take that, Kanye!

[@Astro_Mozart]

Can we just take another moment to appreciate how great the Sandman is? Lazaba-dooooooo!!!👏

[@joshuabrunetti2001]

what a beautiful voice she has

[@sha11235]

You gotta think, "This is the best person we could give this prize too?"

[@fionawallace580]

I Watch this clip when I need cheering up. It never fails😊

[@katherinewelling6026]

Geez, I don’t know who had more fun, me watching this or the oh-so-outstanding Idina!!!! Bravo! 😂👏

[@clarisahernandez5280]

Kudos to the writer.

[@garymonaghan7196]

I love hearing her sing

[@incunemusic]

Amazing!!

[@TheRisingHomeland]

I didn't know the original one. It seems very funny, but the tribute is even better. And Idina Menzel is a national treasure.

[@joeleboeuf]

She's the Keanu Reeves of sopranos.