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Adam Sandler Acceptance Speech | 2023 Mark Twain Prize
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- Published on Mar 25, 2023 veröffentlicht
- Watch the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor celebrating Adam Sandler on CNN.com or CNNgo.
www.kennedy-center.org/whats-...
The Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, was awarded to Adam Sandler at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy -- including Chris Rock, Conan O'Brien, Ben Stiller, Dana Carvey, Pete Davidson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Anniston, Idina Menzel, David Spade, and more -- on March 19, 2023, and aired nationally on CNN on March 26, 2023.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor 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. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.
“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 about this year’s recipient. “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.”
#MarkTwainPrize #AdamSandler #kennedycenter #cnn
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Guy tells the story of his entire career from childhood. Mentions almost everyone who ever helped him a little bit. What a guy.
So true. This is a man of true perspective. He hasn’t forgotten even a minute of how he got to where he is. That’s a special quality!!
And without him reading from a single note, btw. He truly hasn’t forgotten a single person who helped him achieve what he has
You can judge a man by how many friends he keeps and what they say about him --- contrast Adam Sandler vs. China Donnie Trump and you'll see what I mean
Explain his life in a nutshell I felt like I got so much information and yet it seems so short.
Adam is one of those rare ones that didn't get fucked up by the industry and actually made everything go right with hard work and good values. The man deserves his fame and awards for his service as an amazing actor and comedian. He is a great role model for future generations.
Lol you couldn’t be more wrong
Love this comment. Reminded me of my babysitter who wud take me on dates n one she explained, it weeds out the bad one❤❤❤so I get it how much he loves his sisters, I which family members hung on2❤for dear life, the results r great!!!!
To be fair, people said that about bill Cosby for years 💀
@TuckerVFXfair warning, you should never blindly idolize anyone, especially a celebrity. Also unfair to judge someone against an actual disgusting criminal just because they share the same profession.
This has got to be the most genuine, heartfelt acceptance award speech I’ve ever heard. He’s got such a presence that just sets ya at ease and sends love into the room whenever he speaks. Well deserved! ❤❤
I can't this of a less deserving comedian to win this prize. He must be the least funny comedian in the world.
@Diego Lopes funny enough to wim the Mark Twain lol
Is he a hew?
Watch Brendan Frasers
It was really from the bottom of his heart. Maybe that is why his movies have that special charm, because of how genuine he is!!
I loved it when he said, "you guys are my real friends" i really felt his emotion
@Diego Lopes thanks for your comment it really adds so much here.
@Diego Lopesooh, copy pasting your responses here, getting lazy!
Friends that make me money that's is lol
He said it like the waterboy
“So many ppl in this room make me feel good about what WE’VE done together” ugh I adore this man wth
Thanks for your continuous love and support ❤️❤️
For how long have you been a fan of mine?
@Adam Sandler 😂😂😂😂
I cried when he was talking about his family's support. He sounds so so grateful. It fills my heart with joy knowing he grew up feeling so loved and so included. Will forever love this man, he's absolutely precious
I can't this of a less deserving comedian to win this prize. He must be the least funny comedian in the world.
❤I have always loved Adam Sandler and I love all his work! I feel he is a wonderful person and always keeps his heart open and the fact he has such old friends that are still in his life says a lot!
@Diego Lopessays the actual least funny comedian in the world
@Diego Lopes curious to what age range you fall into?
@Diego Lopes man how sad is your life?
He was so informative of how he made it to this night. He was so generous with his friends and colleagues that helped him along the way. He was so loving with his family. I enjoyed his speech.
Or it's all lies
What a super way to honor all of his friends and family. So selfless. He deserves all of the success he's achieved.
The silent moment between Spade and Sandler spoke a million volumes. Hearing Schneider sing a reprise of Grow Old with you was tear worthy. Adam Sandler is one hell of a good guy, and everyone there knows it. Well deserved 👏
Def choked up when Schneider sang. These guys are my heros!
How many of them are hews?
@Collins Customs Services Rob Schneider love him (for being an antivaxxer) or hate him (for being an antivaxxer). you decide
@anthony c his beliefs are his beliefs. 🤷♂️
I’m glad him and Rob made up. They have been friends to long. 👍🏼
Wow. This was terrific. So genuine and humble. He did it all for fun and to make people happy. What a gracious acceptance.
That strong family unit while growing up, that’s why he’s an amazing father, husband, friend and human being.
Hews do everything they can for other hews
@Joe Dirt oh yeah, Chris rock is another famous “hew” 🙄
That 10 sec fam
Adam Sandler is proof that you can achieve fame and fortune, and still remain grounded to your family and values. Amazing guy, well deserved award, Adam.
True observation
Fuck yeah.
Is it?
What a lovely guy! And what a great acceptance speech! So eloquent. He summarized his whole life journey within 10 mins and thanked everyone who crossed his path. Well deserved recognition. Loved his movies. Admire him as a wonderful person even more 🙂
His speach was us hews are so awesome
It's hard to find this level of authenticity these days, especially in Hollywood. Adam Sandler, sir, you are without a doubt one of the greats... Genuine, down to earth, loving husband and father, and someone who truly appreciates the support he's received. I couldn't think of a more deserving individual. Bravo my friend, you've earned it!
GOAT. Awards aren't enough appreciation for all this guy's done. Much deserved
Love this guy. This is why my wife and I chose "grow old with you" as our wedding song and named our cat "sandler." He's really the best
This is so cute.
This is amazing! He calls out all his homies, just real people who helped him along the way. They all saw something special in him just the way all his fans do. He's such a mensch.
He called out a bunch of hews?
I loved that too
@Joe Dirtwhy you so obsessed with Jews kid?
@Zulu 2411
Ever hear of the synagogue of Satan?
He really said the names of the people who helped him in life like they’re the most important people in the world, I love that.
It's normal down to earth celebrities like him that give me faith in humanity that everyone can be that way if we're just given some love.
In his eyes they are the most important people in the world.
None of you actually know him.
@Lew Stone And yet I still feel closer to him than I do to you, a person I'm actually engaging with. Sandler's attitude really is that magnetic.
@Lew Stone and how do you know none of us have met him before
That moment between him and his daughters was special,You can tell he was fighting back dad tears. As a dad of 3 girls I feel em😢😢😢.
I love his humility. One thing i can say looking back at the decades of laughter he brought me and my family is that he always left us with a warmth and love in our hearts. Thank you, Adam. Well deserved
What a beautiful speech, hope all kids learn from this man the way I did through life and his awesome movies! Thank you Adam for all you’ve done and keep doing 🙏
When he was talking about wanting to be a signal for the next generation I truly felt like screaming "YOU DID!" because without this man I know alot of 90's kids woulda been lost in the sauce.
“Grow Old With You” makes me tear up no matter who sings or changes the lyrics.
This is What can happen when u have + give unconditional love + support from childhood to adulthood. Something to aspire to (+ envy).
Thanks for your continuous love and support ❤️❤️
For how long have you been a fan of mine?
Seeing this moment makes me happy that I have been a fan all of these years. What a wonderful human being. Grateful to be part of the generation that has seen his career, and always looking forward to what is next.
I don’t think I’ve heard a speech in at least 30 years in which I truly believe this person loves their wife and kids and siblings and friends. Beautiful. Give him as many awards as you want. I’ll show up to listen. ☺️
Agreed. The Oscars would have played the "wrap it up" music 9 minutes into his speech. Screw the Oscars. This man deserves everything. Determination and pure comedy.
I concur and same!
💯💯💯💙💙💙
Well said!
Will ya?
His comedy has been a soundtrack to my life. I've been a fan since the first album. Almost 30 years.
I love how humble he is. He’s not like any other star.
About his older brother: "(...) he made me feel like I was..." 3:47
*proof that sibling support is so important. Love this authentic beautiful man. Funny to see his nice suit is as XL as he always wears his shirts & shorts in XL. Gotta love his unique way of being himself. Surrounded by so many kind hearted people who let him believe in himself. Bravo mr. Sandler. Keep on making more feel good movies & stay healthy for a long, long time. ♥
I feel so touched by Adam’s speech and all his friends’. I’m so happy for him for winning this award but mostly his remarkable career. True friendship, thankful and grateful people. Gratitude is what we all need. Maybe this is why their comedy can always make me laugh and touched. Please keep making movies, funny or touching, we’re all growing old with you.
The fact that all his friends showed up to this event means he is a great friend & human being. Well deserved
Well they have to kiss his but if they wanna keep getting parts in his horrible movies.
Some of them owe their careers to him. Keeps them working
He took everyone with him when he got fired from Saturday night live and put them in almost every movie he was in.
I think you’re romanticizing life I bit too much
Adam has always been a favorite and he deserves all that is good in this world
He deserves this for sure. Made a few lemons but 98% of his movies are wonderful and can be watched over and over again. He surrounds himself with equally funny people and they all bring out their best. CONGRATS MR. SANDLER!
Class, humility, gratitude, love of family & friends. That is success. Standing O well-deserved.
Congratulations Adam!!! Such a true heartfelt emotional speech ❤️love him even more!!!
Adam Sandler definitely deserves this. The dude been making us laugh for decades
I love the fact that adams family means the world to him. They are what matters. His wife is beautiful too
Adam and all his friends really did change comedy for the best at least in movies and skits. Grateful for him and everyone of them! Even Farley
I don't think there are enough words to describe what an amazing human being he is. Simply outstanding!!!
Well done Adam, that’s how to be humble, and appreciative for all you have . Hard work and talent really does pays off. I was waiting for GOD Bless America . 👍🙏🏼❤️
He really is a down to earth, wonderful kind hearted human, awesome idol of a father to his girls and a respectful and loyal man to his wife. He is the best there is. We love you sandman!
Grew up watching his films. Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, Little Nicky, Big Daddy, The Wedding Singer, Anger Management and Click are definitely among my favourites from him and I rewatch them regularly. Cheers Adam for so many fond memories, well deserving of the award 👏
50 first dates, eight crazy nights, just go with it, Mr deeds we can do this forever ❤
Whether you like his movies, music, comedy or not, he's one standup guy! Loved this.
One of the MOST incredible comedic talents who defines the meaning of humility, family, friendship and gratitude. Adam Sandler continues to inspire while making us laugh.
He's a gem 👏👏👏
adam has brought smiles so so many people's faces for years 🥹 well deserved 🤍
*waves to Clip-Share*
Please bring back dislike counts and the video rating system on Clip-Share. Please be less corporate and more user friendly. Please please please.
Why lowercase yt???
Please reinstate the video sorting by oldest
@Northern Raven unless every YT user starts paying for YT Premium as a way to drive away corporate ad-revenue and their corporate terms, it's not going to happen
Adam Sandler is that friend who would always be there to cheer you up with a laugh no matter what. He’s done that for all of us for decades. Nobody deserves this award more.
That story David spade told about when his family member died and Adam Sandler came to his house to cheer him up, shit had me ROLLIN
Native Americans would say otherwise. Google is your friend.
How the hell would you know?
I think Adam must be the kind of friend who ALWAYS has your back.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt, honest acceptance speech.
And what an incredible, positive, supportive family he has, and i have no doubt that he is raising his daughters with just as much love.
Love you Sandman! 💙
This man deserved this. Just him showing gratitude to the ones who paved his path in life is awesome. Congrats sandman.
Adam is an American dream come true.
Man, that made me laugh and cry all at once, he’s a real gift to us all. Thanks for your hard work, laughs, and pure joy you bestowed upon us.
God bless you and yours, Adam.
Such an amazing speech, so kind, I enjoyed every second. Damn near cried lmaoo
Classy, humble, kind, respectful, gentle and well deserving of the award.
I've never been able to sit thru an acceptance speech, yet alone more than 11 minutes of it, and was able to give my full attention from the beginning to the end. That's how impactful Adam is.
Same!!! I never listen to these kinds of speeches yet I was completely engaged the entire time!!! 💯💯💯
I still get misty eyed listening to his Farley song --- we all need friends like Adam!
I saw 11mns and thought "yea I'm def not finishing this" , then he started talking....
lost me 4 a second tbh, im at 4 minutes
I guarantee watching Jon Stewart's ceremony will fly by in comparison
Adam you earned this award u've worked hard and u're such a great person. U're so real and humble even after all ur success you stay humble that's a beautiful thing.
Honesty? One of the greatest artists of all time. Just… straight from the soil, talented and fed from the sun. Such a pleasure to see him honored in such a way and listen to him genuinely accept that his humbleness might annoy his loved ones at this point. Just great, I’ve always loved Adam Sandler.
Such a supportive family, which means everything in the world!!
Always loved and still love Adam, and Happy Gilmore is my favorite comedy ever; have to watch it at least once a year!
So happy for him!!
This is so wonderful ❤ what a fresh breath of gratitude and humility. Adam Sandler, you are a grade A+ act ❤
I love this guy. So many unforgettable performances. Subtle. Nuanced. Overboard. Crazy. Funny. Sad. He's got it and done it all.
The man literally embodies the phrase “never forget where you came from”
What a heartfelt speech with a touch of humor...perfect 😀
Great heartfelt acceptance speech thanking everyone from family to everyone throughout his career....congrats Adam, well deserved!! 👏👏👏👏
A well deserved reward. One of the best, hands down , and the fact he named every single person by first AND last name that helped him come up....we love you adam❤❤❤❤
Even his crooked tie is endearing. So Adam, even if unintentionally. Adam, you were the star of the house when raising my (now, teenage) sons. You kept it clean (for the most part, lol), when it needed to be. My eldest, at 7, once wrote out all of the lyrics to Lunch Lady Land; misspellings, malapropisms and all. It was the only song he ever wrote out, and I still have it. (Of course, at that age, I didn’t tell him he could easily look up lyrics on Google - even though he knew by that time what Google was). You have made such a loving, humorous, and incredibly cool contribution to not only comedy but to generations of impish (but still compassionate) tweens to come.
[Edit: Oh yeah, I am also a huge fan of all of your dramatic work. Punch Drunk Love is still my favorite.]
Congratulations-- you deserve all of this and MORE!! Can't wait to see what you do next!
The reason I wanted a Bulldog is because I saw Meatball , I dreamt of having a dog like that and my dream came true . She , besides my children was the greatest love of my life.
The stories i have heard about Adam are absolutely beautiful and Jackie is absolutely gorgeous . God bless this family always and thank you for the laughter and loveliness you bring to the world .
Well deserved to a very grateful man! The way he speaks @ his Mom, Wife, Kids, Siblings is VERY SINCERE! God Bless you Adam Sandler and to many more movies!
Love sandman. Remember the night he sang the Hanukkah song I was dying. And hearing him say he owes it to coming from a great family and the respect he had for his mom and dad. Helps us realize how important it is for this next generation to give them a loving home.
Funny, talented and humble. A great combination. Congrats Adam, well deserved!
Nice.. Adams is truly nice
Hello, the best things in this world cannot be seen or touched but can only be felt with the heart. Thank you for all the love and support showered on me. Please write me on the address above to stand a chance to meet🤍
Thanks for a lifetime of laughs. This award show brought back so many memories. I never realized how much you made me laugh, helped me through decades of life & was there for all of it, with me, hysterically encouraging me on. I'm watching old clips with tears of joy. I♥️U. This 60 year old retired teacher with heart problems, homeless 18 months, sitting in my truck in the rain laughing & reminiscing thanks to you. Big love from this Kauai jew.♥️ I'd love an extra part in your next movie. I did acting as a kid in Hollywood. L'Chaim~ here's to life.✡️♥️🕎
This dude is unreal. He is the ultimate friend. Almost everything he does, he incorporates them damn near every time!!!!! He deserves everything he has received and then some. Congrats, Adam
Clyde the Bot
And so much more!
@Lew Stone Lew the Taint
Cool story, but what work has he done to deserve a Mark Twain award?
He deserves all the best. His kindness and honest humor has brought so much joy to the world. When my dad passed away me and my mom were completely heartbroken and one of the things that helped us keep going were Adam's movies, despite the pain we felt we could sit together and laugh and get back some of the joy life had taken away from us. For that I'll be forever thankful. Adam is a good friend to millions of people. Sandman, you Rock, brother!! 💙
Love him. An absolute legend!!
This man is an Icon. Protect him at all cost.
Is there anyone else out there who is so effortlessly LOVED by everyone? Thinking on it, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say a bad word about him, or that they didn't like him....how could you not like him, honestly?
Adam Sandler, Keanu Reeves and Morgan Freeman.
Adam is awesome! Him and his close friends are so fun.
This got me crying hard!
I grew up watching Adam Sandler my whole life, I have most of his movies and watch them often with my son. Such a phenomenal guy, and very talented.
Hello, how are you doing today? Nice meeting you here.
Thanks for your continuous love and support ❤️❤️
For how long have you been a fan of mine?
I actually teared up a little. People can say what they will about Sandler but he really really cares about the people around him. Just watching his movies over the years you can see that if you were friends with Sandler, he took care of you.
I too teared up. He's just special!!
I met him when he was filming Mr Deeds in CT. He was very down to earth and chill. He's got the best job in the world. He gets to make whatever movie he wants with all his friends. Who wouldn't want to be able to do b that for a living?
I bawled for four hours uncontrollably, after watching this.
@Miles Mayhem That's a little bit excessive, are you doing ok?
I always noticed this, there are those comedians that stick together. The news/late night comedy shows are tight knit like that too...but no one took care of his friends like this guy did through his own company.
Love you, Adam! Well deserved ❤
We should all be so lucky to have a friend like Adam
What great man. I always loved Adam Sandler and his movies. I grew up watching this man's movies and they always made me happy. He deserves this award and so much more!!! ❤
There is something special with Adam. He can make you think, feel, laugh and cry same time. Happy to be alive same time with him.
I’ve been up and down on some of his movies, but never on the man himself. Even more so now. What a class act. Never took himself too seriously (good life lesson I have often missed), and always made relationships his top priority (another solid life lesson). The only person who didn’t get any credit was his bff Jen Aniston but she’s everywhere else with him, and I just love that he’s besties with her and yet his wife is the untouchable love of his life.
For playing a fool most of his career as an actor, Adam sure has lived a wise man’s life.
PARENTS! Listen to this, hear this message. I grew up in a place where everyone told kids they would never make it, and rarely did many of us try, but hearing this inspiration by Sandler proves what a little positivety and encouragement can do for someone!
Yeah man
My dads like that
It helps greatly if you are Jew ish trying to make it in showbiz. If you arent, positivety and encouragement might not take you as far as Adam Sandler went.
@mskidi I'm honestly just talking about positive reinforcement, from parent to child, here. Not trying to play the race game.
I love this guy! Congratulations Adam, you’ve made me laugh so hard I cried ❤ ✌🏼
It's good to know that there are truly good people still around on this planet. Adam hasn't let it all go to his head and tries to welcome everyone into the fold. Brilliant.🎉
Truly a tremendous person, he brings his friends with him to the top and has a ton of humility doing what he loves, can’t get better than that.
He is so underrated. I always thought he made great and funny movies
The Sandman is the friend we all need, what a legend!
"I'm only wishing time will stand still..."
Absolutely brilliant human being❤
The "Click" drop.
I absolutely love this man! So genuine
I laughed, I cried. What a great speech. I wouldn't even call myself a big Adam Sandler fan, but when I think about it, I realise how much he has given to me and my family. Sitting with friends laughing, watching Punch Drunk Love and learning something about myself. Thanks, Adam for putting it out there and being a small part of so many lives. Bravo.
Love this guy. I know people who know him and they all say what a humble and funny human being he is. We need more like him.
Lovely speech! You could really tell it was from the heart.
I love this. Anyone can tell you what it is. Someone that can keep it real and make you feel like a million bucks is priceless. God bless him and his woman and his kids.
Hearing Sandler’s stories about his parents, brother and sisters im so not shocked that he turned out how he did the way sandler works with his friends on all of his projects just shows the love instilled into him by his family he brings out to his friends
It takes an entire life to make two good friends and he has a dozen of them vouching for him and his character..that’s truly inspirational..
More like three dozen. He's just loved by everyone around him.
That was amazing, the whole show was a cultural roller coaster of the times and great comedic memories. A true renaissance man.
Well deserved. That speech could but you a ticket in there. :) I am so happy for you and your family.
One of the most real, down to earth, honest people in the acting bizz...well deserved
Hello, how are you doing today? Nice meeting you here.
Thanks for your continuous love and support ❤️❤️
For how long have you been a fan of mine?
Hello, the best things in this world cannot be seen or touched but can only be felt with the heart. Thank you for all the love and support showered on me. Please write me on the address above to stand a chance to meet🤍.
Thank you Adam for all the great films and memories. Well deserved and cheers to many more
I grew up watching him in the 90s. The man has always been awesome. I remember my dad owning one of his albums back in the day lol. Now my kids watch or hear him in hotel Transylvania. A legend. A great man. A great father. A true inspiration.
So humble damn, to recognize that people were building him up even though he wasn't actually the best. And how that turned into determination, hard work and never taking no for an answer. Good on Adam..
It occurs to me after seeing this that being humble is easy if everyone around you is always telling you that you're the best. Now imagine growing up and no one tells you anything supportive or positive so you have to constantly repeat openly how good you are....and then being called conceited for it.
Both are deep, but you know what’s even better… Objectively, if you can, getting SO GOOD at something/something’s in silence and then eventually you can’t be ignored… People will then eventually thank/praise you for it once they find out
@beyonder You're either humble or you're not dude...it's a trait not everyone has...supported or not
💯