Bill Maher, the host of HBO’s long-running political satire show Real Time, will receive the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on June 28, 2026, in the Concert Hall.
The Kennedy Center announced the honor on March 26, just days after the White House had denied reports of Maher’s selection. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told CNN on March 20 that “This is fake news. Bill Maher will NOT be getting this award,” but the Kennedy Center proceeded with the official announcement.
The Mark Twain Prize recognizes performers who have made a lasting impact on American humor and culture. Previous recipients include Conan O’Brien, who received the award in 2025 as the 26th honoree, as well as Kevin Hart, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Tina Fey, among others dating back to Richard Pryor in 1998.
Maher has hosted Real Time since 2003, delivering satirical opening monologues and conducting interviews with guests from various backgrounds on topics ranging from politics to culture. The show has been renewed through 2026 and airs Friday nights on HBO.
The ceremony will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix at a later date, continuing the prize’s tradition of reaching a wide television audience. The award comes amid Maher’s long career in political commentary, which began with his earlier show Politically Incorrect before moving to HBO.
Sources
- The Kennedy Center — official announcement of the 27th Mark Twain Prize award to Bill Maher
- CNN — White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt’s denial on March 20, 2026, and subsequent confirmation reporting
- NPR — confirmation of the award and Netflix streaming details
- The New York Times — reporting on the award and Maher’s career context
- Variety — coverage of the June 28 ceremony and Netflix broadcast
