George Carlin : The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize 2009 The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Overview: The award is not intended to be given posthumously, but Carlin's death occurred between the announcement and the ceremony. Those there to honor Carlin included: Joan Rivers, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Lewis Black, Denis Leary, Margaret Cho, Garry Shandling, and Lily Tomlin.