Eddie Murphy has been a part of the entertainment industry since before I can remember. Regardless of what role he played, Eddie Murphy always stole the show. Each year an American comedian is honored for their contribution to American culture, along with being very funny. This year the John F. Kennedy Center for Preforming Arts awards the 18^th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to one of America’s favorite comedians, Eddie Murphy.

The Kennedy Center describes The Mark Twain Prize as a way to “…recognize people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain.”

The Kennedy Center says that Murphy is the highest-earning ever African-American screen actor. After Murphy learned that he was being awarded, he commented: “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award.”

The first prize was presented to Richard Pryor in 1998. Other past recipients of the award include Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, Lily Tomlin, and Tina Fey. The event was filled with a myriad of comedians and celebrities alike, all of whom have worked with Murphy at some point in his lengthy and prolific career.

Prior to the actual ceremony, Murphy tweeted out a picture of the legendary Mark Twain beside the quote: “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.” Murphy then wrote underneath the picture, “It’s going to be great!”

One of the highlights during Murphy’s acceptance speech was his satirical impersonation of Bill Cosby, also a past recipient of the award and who is now facing serious rape allegations, which left the audience in stitches.

There is no doubt that the evening was filled with laughter and endless jokes! Congratulations to Mr. Eddie Murphy and may your jokes forever be funny! The show aired nationwide on PBS on November 23, but if you missed it then you can still relive all the fun and excitement online.