Adam Sandler, 56, is set to receive prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Adam Sandler will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, cementing his legacy as a comedy icon.

The 56-year-old A-list comedian, who recently recovered from hip surgery, was announced as the 24th recipient of the award, which is widely considered one of the highest honors a comedian can achieve.

Sandler joins an illustrious pantheon of comedy legends, as past winners include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Eddie Murphy, Lily Tomlin, and Whoopi Goldberg, just to name a few.

Comedy glory: Adam Sandler, 56, will receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, cementing his legacy as a comedy icon. The A-list comedian was announced as the 24th recipient of the award, which is widely regarded as one of the highest honors a comedian can achieve.

“Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for more than three decades with his films, his music and his tenure as a fan-favorite cast member on SNL,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.

His statement concluded: “Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry with laughter.”

According to the Kennedy Center, the annual award is meant to recognize artists “who have made an impact on American society,” echoing the influence of legendary humorist Mark Twain.

With 57 films to his credit and a box office of more than $3 billion worldwide, Sandler’s polarizing career seems to have transcended a long period of critical derision and has officially entered a new phase of enduring respect.

Polarizing Career: Sandler’s career seems to have transcended a long period of critical derision and has officially entered a new phase of enduring respect; seen on Click

Box office heavyweight: After breaking out on SNL in 1990 at the age of 23, Sandler (pictured on SNL in 1991) went on to have a thriving Hollywood film career as a comedy star, cultivating a fanbase great and devoted But critics have largely vilified his previous film work.

After breaking out on SNL in 1990 at the age of 23, Sandler had a prosperous Hollywood film career as a comedy star, cultivating a large and devoted fan base.

Some of his early hits included Billy Madison, Big Daddy, Happy Gilmore, and The Wedding Singer, which established Sandler as a giant of the genre when it came to box office receipts, but not necessarily when it came to reviews.

Many critics have vilified much of Sandler’s previous film work, helping him rack up a staggering nine Golden Rasberry Awards – the exact opposite of one Oscar – and 37 nominations.

None of this has affected the Hubie Halloween star’s ability to turn a big profit in Hollywood, as he extended his lucrative deal with Netflix in 2020, securing $250 million for four more movies.

Drenched in Green: Critical derision has never affected the Hubie Halloween star’s ability to turn a big profit in Hollywood, as he extended his lucrative deal with Netflix in 2020, securing $250 million for four more movies.

A big hit for these stars: with Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer in 1997

But in recent years, Sandler has reinvented himself as a dramatic actor.

The Ridiculous 6 star achieved critical acclaim for 2019’s Uncut Gems and recently garnered rave reviews for his performance in this year’s basketball drama film Hustle.

In addition to his thriving career in Hollywood, Sandler has been married to his stunning wife Jackie, 48, for nearly 20 years.

The couple share two teenage daughters: Sadie, 16, and Sunny, 14.

“We try to make each other laugh, we try to listen, we try to include each other, we try to support each other,” the star explained to AARP this year.

Speaking about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, Adam said: “We never thought about not being together.” We always talk about our future together.

Now he’s got it all: In recent years, Sandler has reinvented himself as a dramatic actor capable of stellar performances. He’s also the gold standard in Hollywood when it comes to being a devoted family man, maintaining a marriage of 20 years, and sharing two teenage daughters.