Mark Twain Prize With Bill Murray!
It’s that time again…gala season! We’ve been jumping around town, ending the weekend with one of DC’s most sought-after events: the 19th annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
This year’s award was given to comedic legend Bill Murray, who was lightly roasted by some of his starry peers. Prior to the awards, the 65-year-old star was invited to the White House to meet President Barack Obama. Bill typically lives a subdued life in South Carolina, doesn't have an agent or a publicist, and rarely does video interviews. Best-known for his spontaneity and charisma, the comedian handed the award down to the audience during his speech to be passed around, telling the crowd, “when I can't see it any longer, that's when I'm coming down the steps."
ABC late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel opened the show, calling Murray a genius and fearless extrovert both in his work and his everyday life.
His portfolio includes American classics like Groundhog Day, Caddyshack and Ghostbusters. He said his success was grounded in love from his family and the talented people he had worked with for more than four decades, like Sigourney Weaver, who gushed that every memory she has of him includes a laugh.
The ceremony also included singer Miley Cyrus with a performance, in Groundhog Day style, done twice (the better one will be televised, along with the rest of the ceremony, on PBS Friday night) with piano accompaniment from former Late Show band leader Paul Shaffer.
Each year, the producers of the Mark Twain Prize cast a wide net for the next recipient. The Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to Mark Twain. Input is sought from prior recipients, and distinguished members of the comedy community, like actress Emma Stone, whom we snapped on the red carpet prior to the event.
Closing the show, former NBC and CBS late night host David Letterman, in a rare post-retirement public appearance, gave a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend, whom he had on his shows 44 times.
