Adam Sandler has been named the recipient of the 24th Mark Twain Award for American Humor, a prestigious award given to comedians with an outsized societal impact.

Sandler, 56, will receive the award at a gala performance at the Kennedy Center in March, joining previous winners Jon Stewart, Bill Murray, Dave Chappelle, David Letterman and Ellen Degeneres.

According to the Kennedy Center, the Mark Twain Prize "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."

Sandler's 30-year career spans the entertainment industry, working as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and musician, starring in films "The Waterboy" (1998), "Grown Ups" (2010), and "Hustle" (2022) among many others.

Like most comedians from his generation, Sandler started in small comedy clubs, finding stardom during his stint as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live." His characters included Opera Man and Canteen Boy, and he sang and played guitar on such songs as "Lunch Lady Land" and the now classic Chanukah Song.

Following his SNL career, Sandler released several acclaimed comedy albums and a long list of multi-million dollar grossing films.

"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL," said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement announcing the selection. "Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy."

The award has been presented yearly since 1998, excluding 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Recipients receive a copy of a 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain crafted by American sculptor Karl Gerhardt.

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