How to Pronounce Mark Twain Prize

Meaning and Context

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, established in 1998 and presented annually by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, stands as the nation's preeminent award for comedic excellence. Named for the iconic 19th-century author and satirist Samuel Clemens, who wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, the prize honors individuals who have profoundly influenced American society through the lens of humor, wit, and social commentary, much like Twain himself. The selection process for this prestigious comedy award involves a rigorous committee review, culminating in a star-studded gala at the Kennedy Center where the recipient is celebrated through tributes and performances by peers. Esteemed past recipients such as Richard Pryor (awarded the inaugural prize in 1998), Tina Fey (honored in 2010), and Dave Chappelle (recipient in 2019) exemplify the criteria of having a lasting cultural impact. The event is later broadcast, allowing a wide audience to engage with this significant moment in American entertainment and the enduring legacy of Mark Twain's tradition of insightful humor.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The official and correct spelling is "Mark Twain Prize for American Humor." Common shorthand or informal references often truncate it to simply "the Mark Twain Prize," which is widely accepted. Frequent misspellings and typographical errors include "Mark Twin Prize," omitting the "a" in Twain, or "Mark Twain Award," substituting "Award" for the correct "Prize." Another common error is the misplacement of the apostrophe, as in "Mark Twain's Prize," which is not part of the official title. The name "Twain" itself is occasionally misspelled as "Twaine" or "Twan," reflecting phonetic guesses. When writing about recipients, it is important to note that the honor is referred to as being "awarded" or "presented," and an individual is described as a "recipient" or "honoree," not a "winner," as the prize is considered an honor for a body of work rather than a competitive victory.

Example Sentences

The comedy community eagerly anticipates the annual announcement of who will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor each season.

After a dazzling evening of roasts and heartfelt tributes at the Kennedy Center, the 2022 honoree expressed profound gratitude for joining the ranks of her comedic heroes.

Scholars often cite the prize's criteria, which seek out humorists whose work, like Twain's, holds up a mirror to the complexities of American culture.

To watch the full ceremony for the Mark Twain Prize, viewers can check the PBS broadcast schedule following the live event.

The selection committee faces a daunting task each year, given the depth of talent that has shaped American satire and stand-up comedy eligible for the recognition.

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