Bill Maher to Receive Mark Twain Award with Notable Guests

John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings will be among the guest speakers when Bill Maher receives the Mark Twain Award for American Humor on June 28 at the Kennedy Center. This was announced by the center in an email to members, offering packages ranging from $99 for seat reservations to over $1,500 for special seating and access to receptions before and after the show.

The announcement also included a significant change in how the center identifies itself. It now refers to itself as the Kennedy Center, eliminating the ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ label. This change follows a federal judge’s decision last month, where President Donald Trump’s board of trustees was deemed to have acted illegally in renaming the venue. The center’s original name was bestowed by Congress in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper clarified that only Congress has the authority to change the name.

While a Kennedy spokesperson hinted at a potential appeal, an email from the center’s general counsel detailed steps for compliance, including removing Trump’s name. During his presidency, Trump focused on altering federal cultural institutions by replacing leadership and filling the Kennedy Center’s board with supporters. His actions led to many performers, including Issa Rae, Bela Fleck, and Renée Fleming, canceling their appearances.

Maher will be the 27th recipient of the Twain Award, joining past honorees like Leno, Steve Martin, and Tina Fey. Though Maher and Trump have openly clashed, Maher’s independent style and critiques of Hollywood have appealed to some Republicans. He has conversed with figures across the political spectrum, from liberal Jane Fonda to conservative commentators Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk.

Other guests anticipated at the ceremony are comedian Louis C.K., who resumed touring after allegations of misconduct surfaced in 2017, and controversial ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, known for his strong opinions and debates with NBA star Jaylen Brown and commentator Keith Olbermann.