Created in 1998, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is a little-known but important award honoring those who have helped to shape society with their works. Past recipients include big names such as Bill Murray, Lily Tomlin, Eddie Murphy, and many more. The prize was designed to recognize those artists who have not only created an impact in the society they seek to entertain but also helped others see life from different perspectives.
In this regard, there’s no surprise that Adam Sandler would be nominated for this prize. Over the past three decades, Sandler has been a part of Hollywood for better or worse. While not every film he’s starred in or produced has been a hit, Sandler has still had a huge impact on American culture. To think that the winner of the 2023 Mark Twain prize for American humor was once known as an immature man-child is amusing to many. But at the end of the day, it’s also quite inspirational.