Adam Sandler set to be honoured with prestigious award for American comedy

Adam Sandler is about to be bestowed one of the greatest accolades a comedian from the US can aspire to achieve: the Mark Twain Award for American Humour.

That's right, Sandler is set to join Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Whoopi Goldberg and many more in receiving the coveted prize.

Awarded by the Kennedy Center, the Mark Twain Prize is designed to recognise those who have had an 'impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain'.

According to the Kennedy Center, Clemens - or Twain - was a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters.

Well, that does sound a hell of a lot like Sandler.

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Clemens was also a 'fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly', the Kennedy Center said.

Okay, that one may be a bit generous when you look at some of Sandler's past works like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, but hey, it isn't up to us.

The Kennedy Center revealed in a statement that Sandler would be the 24th recipient of the prestigious honour.

Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter sang Sandler's praises from his time on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s to now.

"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favourite cast member on SNL," she said in a statement.

"Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing.

"I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy."

Netflix.

While his silly, slapstick, and often rude style of humour might see some turn up their nose at a Sandler film, there is no doubt that he's had a phenomenally successful career.

His films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide, according to data aggregating website The Numbers, so the proof really is in the pudding.

Fans will know him from box office hits such as Big Daddy, The Waterboy, Murder Mystery, and Hubie Halloween, and many others.

In recent years, Sander has started showing off his serious acting chops, with Uncut Gems and Hustle receiving critical acclaim en masse.

But, no matter what you think of Adam Sandler, he's laughing all the way to the bank.

And onto that Kennedy Center stage to clasp that comedy award firmly in his two, well-deserving hands.