The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented the 24th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to comedian, actor writer, producer and musician Adam Sandler at a gala event on March 19. The prize honors one of the world’s greatest humorists.

“Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing,” said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center. “He has entertained audiences for more than three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite on SNL.”

Previous recipients have included Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, Carol Burnett, Jay Leno, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Dave Chappelle.