Members of Hollywood gathered in Washington, D.C. for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to honor Conan O’Brien. The gathering included shots taken at President Donald Trump, especially after his recent changes to the structure of the Kennedy Center. Trump removed the Kennedy Center’s leadership earlier this year and is now serving as the Kennedy Center Board Chair. Comedian Sarah Silverman took aim at Trump and referenced a skit from her appearance on Conan in 2016 where she dressed up as Adolf Hitler, comparing him to Trump. Other comedians at the event also poked fun at Washington, with references to Trump’s past controversies and actions.
In addition to Silverman, other comedians at the event also took shots at Trump and his administration. John Mulaney joked about the president renaming the Kennedy Center after Roy Cohn, a figure with ties to Trump. Will Ferrell made a jab at Trump’s executive order on the Department of Education. Comedian Nikki Glaser addressed the political atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of addressing current events in comedic routines. Comedians at the event saw the current political climate as an opportunity for humor and satire.
Throughout the event, there were references to the changes at the Kennedy Center and the implications of Trump’s involvement. Comedians joked about the controversial actions and decisions made by the Trump administration. Despite addressing political topics, the focus of the night remained on celebrating Conan O’Brien and his contributions to comedy. O’Brien himself thanked the former leadership of the Kennedy Center, as well as other staff members who were concerned about the future of the organization.
O’Brien also highlighted the legacy of Mark Twain, for whom the award is named, and emphasized the importance of patriotism and supporting one’s country. He discussed how Twain viewed America as flawed but still believed in the importance of patriotism. O’Brien, who is set to host the Oscars in the future, discussed the evolving nature of comedic material and how it is influenced by current events. The comedians who received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in the past were also mentioned, showcasing a prestigious list of honorees.
The event served as a platform for comedians to address political topics and societal issues in a humorous and satirical manner. While the focus was on celebrating Conan O’Brien’s comedic talent, there were numerous references to Trump and his administration throughout the evening. The comedians used the opportunity to comment on current events, using humor as a tool for expressing their opinions and views on the political climate. Despite concerns about backlash, the comedians felt it was important to address the elephant in the room and provide their own perspective on the state of affairs.
