Kevin Hart Announced As The 25th Recipient Of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize

He is the sixth Black comedian to receive the award; gala takes place on March 24, 2024.

Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart has just been announced as the 25th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will honor the Philadelphia comedian at a gala that will take place on March 24, 2024.

“To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” Hart said in a written statement. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life—I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!”

The honor is given to artists who have impacted American society, like the 19th-century novelist Mark Twain.

“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor, and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “We express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career.”

Hart will add his name to other esteemed performers who have been recognized by the Kennedy Center. Those include Richard Pryor (1998), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Eddie Murphy (2015), and Dave Chappelle (2019) among many others.

Hart’s business endeavors have been doing well as of late. In September, Gran Coramino Tequila was named the official luxury tequila of the Philadelphia Eagles. It was also announced last month that the brand secured a similar deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Gran Coramino Tequila supports Black and Latinx businesses as well. The teaquila brand partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Global Brand Equities, to launch The Coramino Fund. The fund is an initiative to help uplift and support small, Black- and Latinx-owned businesses; specifically, those who have been marginalized and prevented from gaining access to necessary capital and resources to help with their business growth.

The Coramino Fund gave Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and businesses a $10,000 grant to facilitate in providing the tools to help bolster their businesses. This year, the Coramino Fund has already awarded half a million dollars to 50 entrepreneurs across the country.