Conan O'Brien Celebrated at Kennedy Center; Trump Becomes Comedy Target

Washington, D.C. - Conan O'Brien was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on Sunday night. The award recognized O'Brien's decades-long career in comedy, from his writing days at *Saturday Night Live* and *The Simpsons* to his successful late-night talk shows.

The evening was filled with heartfelt tributes and hilarious performances from a star-studded lineup of comedians, including Stephen Colbert, Mindy Kaling, and Paul Thomas Anderson. Each speaker shared anecdotes and praised O'Brien's unique brand of humor, characterized by its self-deprecation, absurdity, and willingness to embrace the unconventional.

However, the event also took on a distinctly political tone, with President Donald Trump becoming a recurring target for many of the comedians. Jokes about Trump's policies, personality, and political style were sprinkled throughout the night, drawing both laughter and some murmurs from the audience. While O'Brien himself refrained from direct political commentary, the other performers made it clear that the current political climate was on their minds.

The Mark Twain Prize is awarded annually to individuals who have made a significant impact on American humor. Past recipients include Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, and Eddie Murphy. Conan O'Brien's selection underscores his enduring influence on the world of comedy and his ability to connect with audiences through laughter. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS on a later date.