It is my opinion that Tina Fey has done more to shape the political landscape of the country than any elected official, politician, or pundit. Her embodiment of then-Vice-Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin scared voters out of their complacency. Convinced by Fey's dead-on impersonation that there was imminent threat of handing the country over to a genuine buffoon, voters mobilized, and an historic election ensued. At least for that election cycle, cooler heads prevailed.
It is for that, as much as her multiple-Award-winning work on NBC's "30 Rock", that Tina Fey has recently received the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
The Kennedy center recognizes outstanding work in many of the arts, including opera, jazz, theater, ballet, and modern dance, as well as many types of musical performance. In 1998 the Center established the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, to honor humorists who have had an impact on American society. Twain was known for his observance of culture and for his social commentary. His quote is an inspiration for the Prize: "Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."
In accepting her award, Fey acknowledged her resemblance to Palin, as well as Palin's odd voice, that provided Fey with unforgettable material for hilarious and devastating satire.
Fey is the youngest recipient of this award.
The proceeds for the ceremonial event support Kennedy Center Programs.
Other mark Twain honorees inlcude: Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), and Bill Cosby (2009)
People actually think Palin said, "I can see Russia from my house"! That is the impact of Fey's impression, when the humor eventually reflected and BECAME the reality! A worthy honor for a talented woman!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true Walter! Well said.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I noticed some glaring grammatical errors on my post...which I just fixed...Thank you for staying around to comment anyway!