Entertainment TV Jon Stewart Stresses the Importance of Comedy in Mark Twain Speech: It 'Survives Every Moment' Jon Stewart accepted the 23rd Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Sunday By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She has also helped recap popular TV shows like 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' 'Sister Wives' and 'Vanderpump Rules.' The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus on Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 25, 2022 12:02PM EDT Photo: Kevin Wolf/AP Jon Stewart was honored for his comedic legacy. The 59-year-old comedian and political commentator became the 23rd recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday. While accepting the award at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Stewart opened up about the important role comedy plays in society: "Comedy survives every moment." "Comedy doesn't change the world, but it's a bellwether. We're the banana peel in the coal mine," he added, per The Hill. "When society is under threat, comedians are the ones who get sent away first. Authoritarians are the threat to comedy, to music, to thought, to poetry." At one point, Stewart referenced the infamous 2022 Oscars slap, when Will Smith struck comedian Chris Rock over a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. "It's not the fragility of audiences. It's not the world police that are going to be an existential threat to comedy. It's not the Fresh Prince. It's the Crown Prince. It's not the fragility of audiences. It's the fragility of leaders," he said. Jon Stewart Explains Why The Daily Show Is 'Better' under Trevor Noah, Talks Workplace Diversity "It ain't the pronoun police — it's the secret police. It always has and it always will be," he continued. "What we have is fragile and precious. And the way to guard against it isn't to change how audiences think, it's to change how leaders lead." Before accepting the prize, Stewart was honored by Jimmy Kimmel, Samantha Bee, Steve Carell, Olivia Munn, Pete Davidson, Ed Helms, Stephen Colbert, Bassem Youssef and past recipient Dave Chappelle in a star-studded ceremony. Additionally, Bruce Springsteen put on a live performance. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, named after the late writer and humorist of the same name, honors those who've had an impact on society. Past recipients include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The first-ever Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor in 1998. Stewart's comedic legacy spans decades. After getting started as a stand-up comedian, Stewart went on to act in dozens of projects. He, however, is best known for hosting The Daily Show with Jon Stewart from 1999 to 2015. Stewart returned to his talk show roots last year with The Problem with Jon Stewart, which premiered on Apple TV+. He has also written and directed films as well as authored two books. Jon Stewart. John Lamparski/WireImage Aside from developing an impressive career, Stewart has served as an advocate for 9/11 first responders. For his efforts, he received the New York City Bronze Medallion in 2019 for helping to pass the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. Fans can see Stewart accept the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor during the event's broadcast on June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings).