Award Central News

Carlin, who died of heart failure June 22, a week after being named the 2008 recipient of the Twain Prize, will be remembered at the Nov. 10 affair, according to Kennedy Center Chairman Steven A. Schwarzman. “At this year’s Mark Twain Prize, we will celebrate his many contributions to the world of comedy in a special tribute,” he said.

“It’s a great loss, not only to the world of humor but to America's conscience,” said Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and Cappy McGarr, Executive Producers of the award program, in a collective statement.” George kept us honest. Of this sad day he might have said that the only truly "dirty word" is death. George Carlin is as deserving as ever of our nation's highest award for humor.”