Hart accepted the award in the Kennedy Center's 2,465-seat concert hall, capping a raucous two-and-a-half-hour evening filmed by Netflix.
In an emotional speech, Hart, 44, thanked God, his mother, wife, children, publicists, agents, financial advisors, security team, company CEO and “partnerships and investments.” His friends and colleagues, the night's presenters, and just about everyone around him.
“Take my mom. I have no idea what I want to do or who I want to be,” Hart said. Afterward, he said to his children, visibly choked up: I live for you. “
He reflected on his journey from comedy venture to global superstardom.
“Sometimes gambling is the best way to define who you will become or ultimately become the best version of yourself,” Hart said. And as he honed his comedy over the years, he said, “I found more ways to amplify it and get bigger and better.”
The award, named after author Samuel Langhorne Clemens (also known as Mark Twain), is given to someone whose humor has “influenced American society,” according to the Kennedy Center. With this, Hart joins 20th century legends Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, and George Carlin, as well as recent recipients Tina Fey, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, and last year's recipient Adam. – Joined Sandler's ranks.
Hart's friends, colleagues, and mentors toasted and baked him throughout the night. They include TV host Nick Cannon, Curb Your Enthusiasm star JB Smoove, rapper Nelly, singer Robin Thicke and Night School co-star Tiffany Haddish. and all appeared in the reality parody “Real Husbands of Hollywood.'' Television co-produced by Hart.
Other speakers include Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Handler, Regina Hall, and Keith Robinson, a veteran stand-up comedian who mentored Hart early in his career, and whose stand-up tour with Hart was featured in the 2023 documentary Kevin・Chris Rock, who was featured on “The Heart & the Rock'', was included. Chris Rock: Headliner only. ”
Chic and Nelly opened the show with an upbeat performance of the rapper's 2002 hit “Hot in Here,” as six pillars of fire lit up behind them. This is a reference to Heart's special song “Let Me Explain,” which included similar fireworks.
Mr. Hart is best known for his comedy work, but in recent years he has built a commercial empire in hopes of building generational wealth. He owns fast-casual restaurants, a tequila brand, a protein shake line, a production company, and an investment company.
He has publicly stated that he wants to be a millionaire by the time he turns 45 in July.
This ambition was not lost on Sunday night comics.
Rock said his favorite Hart movie was “The Upside.” That's because he “had to act like he had less money than Bryan Cranston.” Smoove smoked a cigar and said Hart changed “the business of comedy.” Mr. Seinfeld recalled seeing Mr. Hart speaking in a room of billionaires at a financial summit.
“Do you know how many tickets were sold?” Chappelle asked. He looked it up and he said it was $500 million.
Regina Hall, who appeared in eight films with Hart, said, “Kevin is very concerned about the quality of his checks.” “It's not a project.”
At one point, an attendant handed out little red cups containing shots of Hart's tequila.
The night's standout performer, who received a rare standing ovation, was Hart's mentor Keith Robinson, who has suffered two strokes.
“My New Year's resolution is to have no more strokes,” he joked. “Chris Rock calls me Stroky Robinson. He's a hell of a guy.”
The other two standing O's were when Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein spoke about this being his last Twain Award and his upcoming retirement, and when the voice echoed through the room announcing Eddie Murphy as a surprise guest. . That was a misdirect. Nick Cannon came out in his place and laughed at the prank as the audience sat up.
Hart grinned throughout the show as she watched from the dress circle with her family as her young children crawled on her lap. He seemed particularly tickled by Jimmy Fallon's songs.
Unlike other comedians, Fallon didn't speak. Wearing a black cowboy hat, he sang Southern-accented country songs about Hart's height, including “He Buys His Clothes at Build-A-Bear” and “When He Gets Up, We'll Be There” You will be very sad,'' he sang. by the eagle” and:
We all love this famous Kevin.
Even though he is 2 minutes 11 seconds tall.
He is the boss of any room,
But from behind he looks like a 7 year old.
Hart was born in North Philadelphia in 1979 to a strict mother and largely absentee father. He began his stand-up comedy after dropping out of community college in Philadelphia before the end of his first semester.
“If anyone who survives has a mascot, it's going to be him,” Chappelle said Sunday night. “He looks like 'Staying Alive.'” A little guy who grew up in North Philadelphia. He's strong, but he might not be able to fight. ”
There have been numerous controversies, including Hart cheating on his pregnant wife in 2017 and stepping down as host of the Oscars after old homophobic tweets and stand-up work resurfaced. Despite this, three of his stand-up shows have been in the top 10 at the box office. His films have earned him over $4 billion at the box office worldwide.
Mr. Chappelle, who won the Twain Award in 2009, said, “I really wish you would have been there when I won this award.'' Then he said sincerely: You are a very powerful dreamer. ”
The Mark Twain Award for American Humor Award Ceremony will be streamed on Netflix on May 11th.