Mark Twain Award ceremony at the Kennedy Center to honour Bill Maher on 28 June

The Kennedy Center has announced guest speakers for Bill Maher’s Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony on 28 June, including John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings. Member ticket packages range from USD 99 for a seat reservation to USD 1,500 or more with receptions. The venue’s official naming is also highlighted following a court ruling.

Bill Maher is set to receive the Mark Twain Award for American Humor at a June 28 ceremony. The Kennedy Center said John Mellencamp, Jay Leno and Whitney Cummings are among the guest speakers. Other expected guests include Louis C.K. and ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. The details were shared in an email to Kennedy Center members.

The same email offered ticket packages for the event. Prices ranged from USD 99 for a seat reservation. Higher tiers started at USD 1,500 and more. These options included reserved seating and admission to pre-show and post-show receptions. The centre shared the list of speakers on Monday.

Kennedy Center name change and Trump Kennedy Center ruling

The announcement also showed a change in the venue’s public name. The message identified the venue as the Kennedy Center. It did not use the name Trump Kennedy Center. The same wording also appeared on the centre’s home page. The shift followed a legal ruling tied to the venue’s naming.

Last month, a federal judge said the board acted illegally on the naming vote. President Donald Trump’s chosen trustees had voted to add Trump’s name. Congress in 1964 named the venue for President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy had been assassinated shortly before. The case turned on limits set by law.

"The Kennedy Centers organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Boards unilateral say-so. Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,\" wrote US District Judge Christopher Cooper.

A Kennedy spokesperson suggested the venue might appeal the decision. However, the centre later signalled cooperation with the ruling. An email last week from the general counsel listed steps to comply. Those steps included removing Trump’s name from the venue’s public identification. The latest email reflected that updated approach.

Trump and Kennedy Center leadership changes and cancelled performers

After mostly ignoring the Kennedy Center in the first term, Trump later focused on it. Trump described a goal of removing so-called woke influences from federal cultural institutions. Trump removed leadership and appointed supporters to the board of trustees. Trump also presided over signature events, including the Kennedy Honors ceremony.

Those moves triggered pushback from artists. Several performers cancelled planned appearances at the centre. The names included Issa Rae, Bela Fleck and Renee Fleming. The cancellations came as the institution faced a wider debate about culture and politics. The centre continued to run major events despite the disputes.

Bill Maher Mark Twain Award guests and past recipients

Maher is the 27th recipient of the Twain Award. Past recipients have included Leno, Steve Martin and Tina Fey. Trump and Maher have publicly feuded in recent years. Still, Maher is often seen as acceptable to many Republicans. Maher describes himself as an independent and often criticises Hollywood as woke.

Maher has hosted interviews across political lines. Guests have included Jane Fonda, Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk. Maher has also spoken with figures described as cancelled, including Woody Allen. The June 28 event also lists Louis C.K., who returned to touring after 2017 reports of sexual misconduct allegations.

Stephen A. Smith is also expected at the ceremony. Smith is known for direct opinions on sport and other topics. That style has fuelled public clashes with NBA player Jaylen Brown. It has also led to sharp exchanges with commentator Keith Olbermann. The event now moves ahead under the Kennedy Center name.

With inputs from PTI