On Sunday, Kevin Hart received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Hart, who has appeared in films such as “Lift,” “Ride Along” and “Night School” is the 25th comic to receive the prestigious honor.
During the ceremony, Hart was emotional as he accepted the award and thanked God, his mother, his wife, his children, his publicist, his “partnerships and investments” and the night’s presenters.
“Sometimes, a gamble is the best way to define what will be you or ultimately become the best version of you,” Hart stated. “I found more ways to amplify it and get bigger and better.”
Though he made a lengthy speech as he received the honor, Hart was more pithy on the red carpet. He told gossip outlet DailyMail.com that he refuses to mix comedy with politics because “the idea of politics is not one that I associate with humor.”
In addition, Chris Rock commented that there would be “dark days coming” if Donald Trump secures the White House for a second time. Inside the Kennedy Center, Hart was honored by comedians like Regina Hall, Nick Cannon and Tiffany Haddish.
Dave Chappelle also gave a speech acknowledging the vastness of Hart’s career. “I played arenas with Chris Rock, and I would never play an arena before I saw you do it. You made me dream bigger, and you’re younger than me — it’s humiliating,” joked “The Closer” comedian.
Chappelle added: “If surviving had a mascot, it would be [Hart]. He looks like ‘Stayin’ Alive.’ A little guy growing up in North Philadelphia. Strong, but he probably can’t fight.”
Other speakers included Chelsea Handler and Keith Robinson, with Jimmy Fallon performing a light-hearted country song he wrote about Hart. Robin Thicke and Nelly also performed the emcee’s 2002 hit “Hot in Here.”
The ceremony will stream on Netflix on May 11.
