Conan O'Brien was named the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Thursday, Jan. 16, joking it's for his 'work as a riverboat pilot.'

Comedian Conan O'Brien is the latest former late-night host to receive the Mark Twain prize: a distinction for American humor.

The comedian, podcaster and former late night host will be the 26th recipient of the award from the Kennedy Center.

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor honours individuals who have "had an impact on American society in ways similar to" Twain. View on euronews

"I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor," O'Brien said in a statement, "but for my work as a riverboat pilot”

Conan O'Brien is the latest comedian to be feted at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The former host of Conan and The Tonight Show will receive the award on March 23 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"I am honored to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognized not for humor, but for my work as a riverboat pilot," O'Brien said in a release from The Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien on March 23, 2025, in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists,

Before hosting this year’s Oscars, comedian Conan O’Brien will accept his own big award. The Emmy Award winner, set to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, will be honored with the 2025 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center said in a press release Thursday.

Conan O’Brien is the latest comedian to be feted at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The former host of Conan and The Tonight Show will receive the award on March 23 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.