"[2] A copy of Karl Gerhardt's 1884 bust of Twain is presented in a ceremony usually in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, during which the recipient is celebrated by his or her peers.

The event is a significant fundraiser to benefit the Kennedy Center, which sells tickets as well as access to dinners and after-parties featuring the celebrities.

The original conceptualization was an award which would celebrate one comedian, unlike the Kennedy Center Honors, which were more all-encompassing, and the venue would be the White House.

The White House was considered an inappropriate venue at the time, so the Kennedy Center was suggested.

[5] The first two years of the prize honoring Pryor and Jonathan Winters were taped and broadcast on Comedy Central.

He had twice refused the award, stating that he was disappointed with the profanity used in the inaugural ceremony honoring Richard Pryor.

[18] Awardees have included a writer, an actor, a producer, a stand-up comedian and a media proprietor, among others.

He also added the award's executive producers — McGarr, Mark Krantz and Peter and Bob Kaminsky — have always decided in consultation with the Kennedy Center's chairman and president, David Rubenstein and Michael Kaiser.