Conan O’Brien was roasted by leading American comics as he collected a prestigious prize for comedy.
The 61-year-old comedian was supported by rarely seen daughter Neve, 21, as well as wife Liza Powel O’Brien, 54, and son Beckett, 19, as he was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
But ahead of the former late night show host’s award acceptance, David Letterman and Sarah Silverman took to the stage to playfully roast him, while also targeting Donald Trump.
O’Brien was announced as the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize in mid-January, just weeks before Trump ousted president Deborah Rutter, board chairman David Rubenstein, and dismantled the board of trustees.
He replaced the board with friends, who subsequently elected him as chairman.
Conan O’Brien was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC
The 61-year-old comedian was joined by his rarely seen kids Neve, 21, and Beckett, 19
The behind-the-scenes drama of Kennedy Center leadership was the subject of stage jokes, as well as other bold moves made by Trump in the early weeks of his second presidency.
Trump wasn’t in attendance at the ceremony, but his presence was felt nonetheless.
‘I’m not a historian, but I believe that history will show in the history for all time, this will have been the most entertaining gathering of the resistance, ever,’ David Letterman quipped.
Meanwhile, Sarah Silverman teased O’Brien as she said, ‘I just really miss the days when you were America’s only orange a**hole.’
The annual ceremony will air on Netflix on May 4th.
O’Brien, in his acceptance speech, expressed shock at receiving the biggest award in American comedy.
He also acknowledged the changes and precarious future the Kennedy Center faces in the wake of Trump’s takeover.
‘Thanks to my people who invited me here a few months ago: Deborah Rutter and David Rubenstein,’ he said.
‘Honestly, I don’t know why they aren’t here tonight. I lost WiFi in January — guessing they’re in traffic,’ O’Brien added lightheartedly. ‘And a special thanks to all the beautiful people who have worked here at the Kennedy Center for years and who are worried about what the future might bring.’
Conan’s wife Liza Powel O’Brien, 54, was by his side on the red carpet
Conan’s young adult children had proud smiles on their faces as their father was honored
Ahead of the former late night show host’s award acceptance, other standout comics took the stage to playfully roast him while also targeting President Donald Trump with their punchlines
O’Brien was announced as the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize in mid-January, just weeks before Trump ousted president Deborah Rutter, board chairman David Rubenstein, and dismantled the board of trustees
Mentioning Mark Twain, Conan mused, ‘Twain was a patriot in the best sense of the world. He loved America, but knew it was deeply flawed.’
Quoting the late writer and humorist, he said: ‘Twain wrote, “Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and your government when it deserves it.”
‘Now, some of you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with comedy?” Twain is funny and important today because his comedy is a hilarious celebration of our fears, our ineptitude, and the glorious mess of being human.’
Will Ferrell took the stage at one point, pointing to Trump’s effort to cut parts of the federal government as he joked: ‘I don’t have time for this. You know what I’m supposed to be doing right now? Do you have any idea? I’m supposed to be shutting down the Department of Education.’
Comedian Nikki Glaser told reporters on the red carpet that comedians should address Trump’s decision to take over as chairman of the Kennedy Center and the controversial decisions he’s making as president.
‘I think it’s insane not to address the elephant in the room. And it’s insane comedically to not do that, because it’s right there,’ she said.
