Stephen Colbert on Jon Stewart | 2022 Mark Twain Prize

www.kennedy-center.org/whats-...
Commenting on the prize, Stewart said, “I am truly honored to receive this award. I have long admired and been influenced by the work of Mark Twain, or, as he was known by his given name, Samuel Leibowitz.”
“For more than three decades, Jon Stewart has brightened our lives and challenged our minds as he delivers current events and social satire with his trademark wit and wisdom. For me, tuning into his television programs over the years has always been equal parts entertainment and truth”
- Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President
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.
As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Stewart received a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853-1940). Previous recipients can be seen by scrolling down this page.
Capital One® is the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor as part of the bank’s three-year, $3 million gift to fund Comedy at the Kennedy Center, a signature program at the Center focused on elevating comedy as an art form and uniting the community through laughter.
The 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is under the direction of the creative team from Done + Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018. This year’s ceremony marks the 23rd year that the Kennedy Center’s marquee comedy award will be broadcast nationally.
The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998.
#TwainPrizePBS #JonStewart #StephenColbert
Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! bit.ly/2gNFrtb

[@DanimalHype]

The idea of a room full of professional comedians just laughing hysterically at good humor jokes for the entire evening really brings a smile to my face.

[@dkamphaus43]

I agree, but what does that have to do with this?

[@YTSlide]

@@dkamphaus43 ba-dum-bum!

[@maninthebox01]

You mean a room full of convoluted out of touch liberal hacks!!

[@fearbobo4]

I know right! They should bring the Green Room back

[@kyhxx]

. sims cmnt .etc^

[@IcyAuron]

"Staying silly while giving a damn" is maybe the best description of how to live life.

[@seeseembo]

Agreed, it really struck me, hope it sticks with me

[@Pants4096]

Those years Jon wrangled the Daily Show were some of the very best TV had to offer. You could tell he loved and supported his "correspondents" and it was obvious how much he enjoyed being outshone by them when they did their best work. I wish we could hear his voice a little more often these days, as it brings a very calming kind of silliness with sincerity that keeps me sane!

[@Crimethoughtfull]

He has a special on Apple TV called "The Problem"...occasionally clips show up on YT.

[@lobopix_]

As above, see his "The Problem with Jon Stewart". What is more there are often writers' room sessions from that show put up on youtube which are a master class in group work and high intelligence interactions from a very diverse group of minds on current affairs. Some of these clips are comedy gold and are definitely well worth a watch, on many levels, not least how much time Jon spends quietly listening to his writers bounce off of each other and even hilariously take the piss out of Jon himself.

[@boldtaa]

Jon is like that NFL coach who wins SuperBowls and all of his assistants go on to be successful head coaches.

[@RawAngelix]

@@boldtaa well said! And, just as coach Jon did, they keep spreading, in their own unique ways, humor and kindness. What a gift, what a legacy

[@RawAngelix]

@@lobopix_ Oye! Thanks for this...! This is great news to me! That means I HAVE TO get an Apple TV subscription... Love from Italy

[@jiveshvashist]

Excellent speech..always kept Jon at the center, gave plenty of anecdotes , while being funny every few seconds.. complete masterclass

[@generalnawaki]

he always has been.

[@leesnow1382]

Totally agree

[@penguinista]

We are not worthy.

[@epants8507]

He’s no comedian he’s a Karen and a traitor to our Democracy for causing an insurrection at the Capital!

[@timsaxon5825]

Yeah, he’s a pro

[@ptadalan]

“Most passionate patriot for whom love of country is no joke.” Wow, good writing, Colbert!

[@Hirnlego999]

But it goes further than that. Jon is a humanist.

[@mosaif_mudawi]

Great English!!

[@ptadalan]

@@Hirnlego999 yes obviously… I’m just saying it’s well written. To go jokingly rhyming Stupidus Doofus to the eloquent alliteration of passionate patriot and then tying the whole speech together of saying his love of country is no joke since they’re all political satirists but also activists and advocates for democracy is just simply good writing.

[@ptadalan]

@@pashadyne a good question indeed! I guess you don’t have to be a good writer to appreciate good writing. Just like one doesn’t have to be a good athlete to appreciate sport. Just like how you’re probably not a *terrible* person in real life but can still be an asshole on the comment section 😂

[@kevlosent6375]

Yeah that essay was on point. Just fantastic.

[@andrewpassow2712]

"Jon's true passion is recreational anxiety." How brilliant is that?! Jon is brilliant in our dull age, as is Stephen. Wow, how slow and paranoid is the majority of the populace is to catch on and grasp the significance of their message and catch the fire. How fortunate is the U.S. to have such prominent intellectuals.

[@andyscott5277]

I’ll never forget the first Colbert special report I saw on The Daily Show, might have been one of his first. It was titled “Up the Creek Without a Paddle,” and Colbert was interviewing an old lady who had literally lost her paddle while boating in a creek 🤣 I thought “this guy is going places.”

[@nicolewalsh6656]

Oh I miss it sooo much!

[@etmccaus]

Not without a paddle, he wasn't! :-)

[@t.h.8475]

@@etmccaus true👍

[@brendanmonahanstaff7349]

And so was her, just not where she wanted to go ;)

[@wolf7el356]

Stephen Colbert's "Better Know A District" segment on The Daily Show was some of the greatest comedy writing in television history.

[@Monotremata]

Every district was "The Fightin' Xst/th!" :-D

[@wolf7el356]

@@Monotremata "The fighting 5th!" 😂😂😂

[@nathanb8307]

That was The Colbert Report

[@dcassis3051]

THE FIGHTIN IRISH!

[@wolf7el356]

@@nathanb8307 It started on the Daily Show.

[@JewiMacca]

Jon stewart is a national treasure. Takes on serious topics sprinkles it with a little humor but more importantly wears his heart on his sleeve. I miss him on the Daily Show - nothing like it and nobody could do it as well as he did.

[@thebritons]

I know he prob shouldnt run for president, but i hope whoever does keeps him close.

[@justadad6677]

I do envy them both, such friendships, such a career, such wives and such friends. I merely wish more listened to what they have to say.

[@notredamedeimmaculeeecoule6565]

indeed.

[@jkim1316]

Amen! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheDegenerateTravler]

It’s weird guys who owe their career to John couldn’t figure out a way to make it there

[@missmiss6516]

@@TheDegenerateTravler I think Colbert had Covid

[@GbolahanAwoseyila]

@@TheDegenerateTravler Stephen still has a show daily

[@jessicaloree9033]

I would 110% vote for John Stewart before literally anyone. He's the original one to call BS with our government.

[@jackbourgeois4153]

There's no way Jon could ever be a politician, way too honest ,,

[@jessicaloree9033]

@@jackbourgeois4153 ummm.. That's kinda the point.. 🙄😏

[@LarryGoggins000]

George Carlin was first but yeah Jon is awesome

[@sarahrider6111]

He would never want to

[@asandiegoguy]

As usual, Stephen knocks it out of the park. Hopefully John will be giving a similar speech about Stephen one day.

[@Fryether]

That would require Stephen to be good at comedy.

[@joshramirez7]

@@Fryether There is always one...

[@peterraab9004]

He used to be.

[@Snuffalaffagas]

Guy couldn't even show up in person to honor his friend who essentially took a chance on him and gave him his place to shine on the daily show which arguably led to the career he has now. Notice all the other former correspondents and fellow comedians who took time away from THEIR lives to be there to honor their friend in person

[@bestrellado]

@@Snuffalaffagas well he had covid so...

[@krisfrederick5001]

Jon managed to harness that shared anxiety we were all collectively experiencing, then made us laugh about it.

[@GG-zs5sz]

unlike Colbert who is nothing but an A wipe...Stewart must have been embarassed at Colberts comments

[@MrDong101]

He creating the anxiety by lying to you.

[@profshad3429]

@@MrDong101 ya, that's it lol

[@Weirdkauz]

Well said!

[@MrDong101]

@@profshad3429 oh, you thought that was the actual news.

[@ashenmoonclash]

Clinallicy depressed squirrel is the story of my life😂

[@chelseab115]

What a wonderful speech, balancing heartfelt sentiments and jokes.

[@Real28]

"Staying silly, while giving a damn" Those are some words to live by.

[@TheBjartulf]

Colbert's writing is always genius!

[@epants8507]

He’s no genius he’s a Karan and an insurrectionist!!

[@megasbaladoros]

Yep. One more time he reached peak Ross Geller.

[@orngbluds]

You think he writes ? He's a puppet..like biden

[@MrDong101]

The syringe skit was genius?

[@hannibalb8276]

@@MrDong101 Hilarious how that kind of basic inoffensive joke lives rent free in the tiny peabrains of anti-vaxxers

[@kattiegodfrey1656]

John going before congress on behalf of first responders and Veterans won my heart!

[@worldsurfer1]

"What we have is fragile, and precious. And the way to guard against it isn't to change how audiences think, it's to change how leaders lead."

[@uonlymatterificare]

Best speech Stephen!! Deserving silly and heart felt! And true all of it!! Perfect speech for the perfect pair!

[@epants8507]

Perfect for prison because he’s an insurrectionist and a Karan!

[@joshburns5229]

The John Stewart Stephen Colbert podcast would be the number one podcast in my book

[@willyrobertlegendre4662]

Jon & Stephen, the legendary siamese twins of the Late Show...!

[@steveker5084]

And as funny as a couple of crutches. Johnny Carson, PLEAAAAAZ come back!

[@pattyayers]

@@steveker5084 Aw, are you ok

[@steveker5084]

@@pattyayers I'm doing better than your profile phot. But leave it up there, for all to see. It's a free country, minus the vaccine and sheep mask mandates. Shalom.

[@ranjitace01]

Stephen truly loves Jon! The respect, it shows!!! Waking The path of the brother! Another Mark Twain recipient few years down the lane: Mr Colbert.

[@Snuffalaffagas]

He loves him so much he was the only one to phone in his speech...

[@OldenPolyNate]

The Daily Show followed by the Colbert Report was such a special time. A golden era that will never be duplicated. I'll miss those years. 😕

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Watching John dying with laughter watching this is so wholesome 😂

[@jynx2501]

THIS was the speech I really wanted to see. It really sucks Colbert couldn't make it. Id really like to see them work together again.

[@calico27]

I LOVE Colbert's eloquence soo much! So riveting and really tugged at them heart strings!

[@Evehawk87]

Favorite part of the whole evening for me was watching Jon’s mom. Having the time of her life!

[@cindyschneider4728]

Could not admire and respect these two men more! And the Mark Twain prize is so fitting.

[@epants8507]

Colbert is not a comedian he’s a Karen and an insurrectionist !

[@annemacleod1421]

Thanks, Stephen, I’m laughing out loud here in New Zealand! You are two of the finest comedians. Congratulations to you, Jon. 🇳🇿🇳🇿🐑🐑

[@JadeValour]

I’m an expat living in New Zealand too and I don’t know how I’d have survived the past couple of years without Stephen 🤣💖

[@schawdaya]

I love your country and your prime minister. Cheers from Minnesota

[@stephencraig5938]

I'm a Kiwi laughing from the West lsland. Americans don't know how much Jon is loved down here.

[@ahmadjubran1984]

I'd genuinely vote for John. The only person I could imagine voting for.

[@fmdudhia6341]

What a fantastic speech Stephen! It was impeccable and completely on the mark. Jon is brilliant and I totally enjoyed his Late Night show. For that matter Stephen too is brilliant and carries the torch of showing the world with him out the hypocrisies that have serious consequences on us all. Well done!

[@gilhoi]

Jon has gotten better with age... @Colbert has simply gotten bitter, hypocritical, and just plain dumber...

[@rudesword2852]

It was awful. Not funny.

[@diegozimmerman8261]

Steven Colbert, in just over 6 minutes, has described an American……. In FULL description as it relates to the definition, a friend, a man, and a citizen!!

[@NarynbekGilman]

A man?

[@stewarthowell6781]

Jon Stewart really is the perfect nominee for a Mark Twain award.

[@NevadaBoss]

Daily Show wth Stewballs and The Colbert Report comprised the single best hour of political satire in TV history. Shame that Colbert's many talents are wasted nightly now asking some celeb about their latest meh movie. But there once was a time...a well deserved award by 1 of the nation's great comedic geniuses.

[@HlifeRomania91]

AMEN

[@jessierolan]

Time wise, that's such a small % of what he does nightly. It's still mostly topical satire. And when he does a long interview, it's mainly with important people, not the movie stars... unless he is nerding-out and likes them anyway.

[@kathrynmceachern9503]

This is a brilliant tribute to the beautiful legacy of Jon Stewart's, (un)surprisingly foretold by George Carlin himself. Now, THAT was one amazing interview, apparently, at a time that Jon was still a relative newcomer to the scene.

[@dsilverleaf4668]

I miss George Carlin😢😂😮

[@Lennybird91]

That interview of Carlin and Stewart blew me away. Sends shivers down my spine just thinking of it now.

[@maribelcaudillo258]

The student overcomes the master. But RESPECT to Mr. Stewart! What a human being!

[@lbourrou]

It actually brings tears in my eyes to see my 2 heroes like that. Such great men !

[@Intruc3]

These two are the reason I got into political satire, they're amazing.

[@benhayme]

John Stewart is a legend, I have a lot of respect for his way of thinking. He’s a God given gift to America and Humanity. May God bless you.

[@italiannn16]

Suddenly democrats love God and know what a woman is.😂😂😂😂 OMG A CELEBRITY!! WHAT DO I DO?? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@RoxStar1968]

"Working with intention and staying silly while giving a damn" is really a great way to live one's life.

[@TechCrazy]

Watching Jon and Colbert was the highlight of my evening TV time. Miss those times!

[@erikaiam8864]

I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry so I did both🤣😭 You're still one of my favorites Stephen

[@sharongarrett4356]

Perfect. Jon was my TV husband for nearly 30 years, reflecting my dismayed thoughts with amazing insight and humor each evening, such that I can't imagine life without him having been there. Everything Colbert -- the ultimate professional and raconteur -- just said about him is what we all suspected, or knew to be true, all along. Such a great guy, comedian, and citizen -- a model for all of us and so rare in entertainment. Bless you both.

[@italiannn16]

Wow. The weirdos are out tonight.

[@sharongarrett4356]

@@italiannn16 Hey, troll - I resemble that remark!! Now back to my secret lair....

[@clarel4584]

There were many great speeches but this one was hands down the best tribute to Jon Stewart at this event.

[@bernlin2000]

Damn...he got me to tear up at the end there, very well-done, Colbert is the consummate pro.

[@jasonallen3678]

Me too for some damn reason 😂

[@MilgrineGenio]

This is my vibe! I love Stephen and I know he loves Jon :-)

[@mickyvionsellinas6743]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJCWloiPqd-FeM0

[@steveker5084]

Low bar, huh?

[@rufusreir1732]

Great things came from and because of Jon Stewart. Unique person and wonderful human being. Hats off Sir for a much deserved prize in recongition of who you are.

[@MrGriff305]

This was the best award show in history.. such talent

[@LCarefortheworld]

What a wonderful, heart felt and humorous speech!

[@user-cw1ht6vc4k]

I would vote for Jon Stewart!!

[@DBRising]

How am I cackling with foolish laughter all the while a tear just rolls down my cheek with heartfelt thanks for Mr. Stewart.

[@lynnebucher6537]

Only those two could congratulate, roast and compliment someone all in the same speech!

[@loeaglelo]

What an awesome tribute. Congratulations to Jon!! He is an absolute legend.

[@lucaswitdalidov7655]

I’d vote for a Jon Stewart Presidency. Jon Stewart 2024

[@icraftcrafts8685]

me too and im not even from america or in america

[@morbidmanmusic]

But would you vote for Jon Stewart?

[@dshepherd107]

@@morbidmanmusic 😂

[@lucaswitdalidov7655]

@@morbidmanmusic HA! U got me there

[@gr8dvd]

ONLY if he were the official nominee…. too risky splitting the Democratic vote for now.

[@_braune_]

Ok but a Jon Stewart / Stephen Colbert podcast would be phenomenal

[@brandym.williams7314]

Congratulations Jon Stewart you defiantly deserve the Mark Twain Awarded. Fantastic Job much love to you , and your Family.

[@MUEVElaPLAYA]

Now Stephen is referring people wanting Jon run for president. I am so glad he referred to this, like Dave Chappelle. I have wanted this for well over 10 years. One reason so many of us KNOW that Jon would be perfect for the job, is that he has demonstrated that he knows how to explain problems and solutions logically. He is persuasive, which is one of the most important qualities for a president. We KNOW Jon would communicate with USA politicians and world leaders, ask the right questions, and logically present solutions, until something was done.

[@jynx2501]

I've saying Stewart/Colbert would make a great administrationfor years, but i fear that there is truly a lot of hard calls they arent prepared for, and I genuenly love them so much, I'd hate to have those burdens placed on their shoulders. They'd make the perfect Press Secretaries or maybe Speakers of the House though. That's where they shine. Being able to digest and regurgitate complex issues for everyday people.

[@MUEVElaPLAYA]

@@jynx2501 For sure, the burden would be great. The work is more demanding than any job, in the world. It would upend Jon's, and his family's life, forever. It is dangerous work. It is a personal decision, for him. In the past, he said he would never consider running. I have to imagine that many political and community leaders have encouraged him to reconsider. He certainly has the right resume for the job.

[@Shari466]

Well done Mr. Colbert and congrats Jon Stewart. 💙

[@joannejohnson7006]

You two mirror each other 😍😍 We are truly blessed with your combined talents

[@deecohen1383]

Stephen n John rrrrreallllly helped me me tally survive the past several years w their genuis and chemistry

[@leoniemoats7467]

If John Stewart ran for President as a neutral, i can see him actually winning

[@dshepherd107]

Same here but he fouls the get anything done .. he’d be blocked at every turn

[@Mike__B]

Bless you for that wonderful though, unfortunately I'm a lot more pessimistic and I could see him not getting a single state, there is just so much polarization on both sides and people have been trained for decades (centuries?) to vote for the name Republican or Democrat and that's it.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@Mike__B I think there are a lot of people fed up with the 2 party system.

[@Mike__B]

@@valmacclinchy Oh absolutely there are people fed up with the 2 party system 100%. Unfortunately I don't think there are enough people to overcome the archaic winner take all format we have with electoral college votes.

[@valmacclinchy]

@@Mike__B we need ranked choice voting.

[@Goatchild90]

Stephen is killing it

[@epants8507]

He’s killing our Democracy by causing an insurrection at the Capital!

[@Goatchild90]

@@epants8507 Your thinking of Trump

[@SamuelPearlman]

These tributes are all making me tear up!!

[@lorrainescandia6267]

This was great. I love and appreciate them both.

[@jameshickey1294]

❤️from uk..wat a nte of laughter for Jon- absolutely amazing...

[@anthonyzullo]

The podcast line is too true. Best speech

[@SamuelPearlman]

Even-Steven was my favorite daily show routine, the genius of Carell and Colbert just hammering away at each other was priceless!

[@maypanah5880]

that was great Steven, you and John Stewart, are my favorite people, you guys are not only great comedians, but also great people, smart, honest, and good.

[@FreeArtsakh2024]

Gratitude ✨️

[@TheMonroemomma]

Big, gigantic LOVE to Stephen and Jon!

[@kasondaleigh]

So heartfelt.

[@OldFliersGroup]

Good stuff. Colbert and Stewart: What a team!

[@mrquirky3626]

I still have such fond memories of Indecision 2000. That crazy political time, although a terrible embarrassment for the US, at least gave us the Daily Show we all came to know and love.

[@mickyvionsellinas6743]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJCWloiPqd-FeM0

[@lynnebucher6537]

Not to mention the enduring expression "hanging chads"!!!

[@lancemorrison8561]

He could really pull it off! John Stewart for President really rolls off the tongue!

[@doubledigital_]

as a brit, for many years i loved watching him.. he gave NEWS as facts and still made my piss my self .. deffo worthy of the award.. congrats jon.

[@jasonallen3678]

This was a great honor speech by another legendary comedian..

[@debracasey6266]

What a beautiful and touching tribute!

[@sush139]

So wonderful!

[@nickmhc]

The alums of the Daily Show and where their careers have gone since speaks volumes about the man Jon Stewart is.

[@notintohandles]

Yes Sir. Thank you Steve.

[@DEEliot-ky9cl]

The Daily Show & The Cobert Report was the best hour on TV for nearly 8 years

[@cloud__99]

Their friendship is the sweetest thing

[@JaustonCharles]

I’d love if Jon ran for president. Those debates would be one-sided.

[@simplystreeptacular]

Tag yourself, I'm Tracey Stewart wheezing with laughter at every word out of Stephen's mouth [lol]

[@davidedemurodominijanni9889]

I watched [again] Dave Chappelle and Stephen Colbert speeches on Jon Stewart and I had the same exact reaction watching both and each of them. Now I know what moved me so much in both cases. The utterly inspirational mutual professional respect and recognition as much as the heart warming friendly human admiration and common love for laughter and sharing it.

[@EagleEyeChioru]

What a speech. Wow, just wow.

[@justsaying3729]

Another Excellent speech. That's three for three. Chapelle, John Oliver & Stephen Colbert.

[@Anna_Anna92]

And Steve!

[@MaruhashiSahori]

I love that !!!! It explains everything about Jon and Stephen’s brotherhood.

[@BelleTolles]

Stephen is so damned eloquent and hilarious at the same time. And totally sincere about his love for Mr. Stewart

[@jasonallen3678]

I love both of those guys..

[@NewMessage]

Not gonna lie.. I want that podcast.

[@ef2b]

I lament the missed opportunity of having Jon pop out from under Stephen's desk while Stephen paid his respects.

[@karenleslie5692]

I love you both thank you both !

[@leonardohummel8658]

Brilliant and hysterical Tribute 🎯✔️💯

[@kathybyerly7904]

Love Jon Stewart hes great. I love his videos when interviews ppl and America.

[@Ivan-uw8km]

That was so touching, heartfelt & hilarious at the same time 🙏🏽

[@kevinbwillson4161]

So true Thank you

[@nicolewalsh6656]

This had to be the best speech of the night! So good and so funny

[@RamosXtreme]

I would vote for him in a heart beat.