Bill Maher, the 70-year-old comedian and HBO host, will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on June 28 at the Kennedy Center. The award recognizes his three-decade career of caustic political commentary, from his early Comedy Central show 'Politically Incorrect' to his current HBO program 'Real Time With Bill Maher.'

Maher's satirical style has targeted both sides of the political spectrum, first mocking political correctness in the 1990s and now criticizing 'woke' culture. His show features high-profile guests debating social and political issues with Maher's biting commentary throughout. The comedian has earned 42 Emmy nominations but only one win, as executive producer of HBO's 'Vice' in 2014.

The announcement comes amid controversy, as the White House initially denied reports of Maher's selection, calling it 'fake news' before the Kennedy Center's official announcement. The Kennedy Center itself has become politically charged under Trump's second term, being renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center and facing a controversial renovation that will close the institution for two years.