The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 24th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Adam Sandler at a gala performance at the Kennedy Center on March 19. The prize recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for more than three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on ‘SNL,’” said Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter. Sandler’s films have grossed more than $3 billion worldwide.

Previous recipients include Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart