Often, people overlook what specifically the Mark Twain Prize for Humor is given out for and just end up thinking it goes to living legends in comedy. Specifically, the award honors that have a significant cultural impact, perhaps changing the way we think about things, via humor. 

Dave Chappelle, arguably better than many other recent recipients, fits this bill perfectly. No matter what you think of Chappelle, both now and then, he has left an indelible mark on the country (and the world for that matter) with his comedy and has, for many, changed how they see things. Certainly, his acceptance speech will be watched closely (maybe more closely than most of these Mark Twain Prize speeches save for Will Ferrell’s).

His ceremony is set for Oct. 27th at the Kennedy Center and will air likely weeks later. Already, we’re wondering what the odds are that they’ll do a bit where he no shows and hides on another continent.