Conan O’Brien will become the next recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humour at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on 23 March. The iconic talk show host, podcaster and comedian will be the 26th recipient of the award, joining the likes of Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and his fellow light-night alums Jay Leno and David Letterman.

Started in 1998, the award is presented to those who have made a profound impact on American society, similar to that of American humorist Mark Twain. O’Brien has a long list of credits to his name, including writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons and hosting Late Night, The Tonight Show and his eponymous talk show Conan. He has won five Primetime Emmy Awards from a whopping 31 nominations. O’Brien currently hosts the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend and the travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go. He is also set to emcee the upcoming Oscar ceremony on 3 March.

“For four decades, Conan O’Brien, has brought his unique blend of the smart, silly, insightful, and hilarious into our homes,” said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center in a press release.
“[…] Conan is a master of invention and reinvention, consistently pushing the envelope in search of new comedic heights.”

“I am honoured to be the first winner of the Mark Twain Prize recognised not for humour, but for my work as a riverboat pilot,” O’Brien said in a release from The Kennedy Center.

The ceremony will be available to stream on Netflix on a later date.