Comedian Adam Sandler was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor last weekend. The prize is given to comedians whose work has a profound and lasting impact on American society and has been awarded to legends like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and most recently Jon Stewart.

Sandler became the 24th recipient of the prestigious award, which he collected at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He was toasted by an assortment of fellow comedians and friends including Rob Schneider, David Spade, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Buschemi and more. Sandler has been honoured with the prize for his contribution to American comedy which extends to over 30 years as a comedian, writer, actor, and director. His movies have grossed over $3 billion, while also earning several awards and nominations.

In his acceptance speech, Sandler offered thanks to everyone who supported him on his journey, from his parents to his friends and family. “Everyone in this room has made my life fun,” he said. “As I look at this goofy award I’m holding, I can’t help but think that one day it might be the weapon used to bludgeon me in my sleep by a disgruntled intruder or possibly Mr. Rob Schneider.”

While honouring Sandler, Conan O’Brien summed up why he deserved the award. “This prize rightly celebrates giants of American humour; each distinctive in their own way. And in that regard, no one is more deserving of this honour than Adam Sandler,” he said. “Adam is a uniquely American voice; Big-hearted, joyous, outrageous, angry, absurd and more insanely prolific than any of his peers. Adam’s comedy doesn’t preach or instruct. Like Twain, he’s down in the muck with us, laughing at himself.”