Over the years, has gone to such luminaries as Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, George Carlin and Ellen DeGeneres. Next year, it鈥檚 going to the guy who made us crack up as Happy Gilmour.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said Tuesday that Adam Sandler would receive the prestigious award at a gala on March 19.

鈥淎dam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on 鈥楽NL,鈥欌�� said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement. 鈥淎dam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing.鈥�

The 56-year-old actor-comedian, who this year starred in the well-received Netflix basketball drama-comedy 鈥淗ustle,鈥� has created a list of funny films, like 鈥淗appy Gilmore,鈥� 鈥淏illy Madison,鈥� 鈥淕rown Ups,鈥� 鈥淏ig Daddy,鈥� 鈥淭he Longest Yard鈥� and 鈥淭he Waterboy.鈥�

His role as Howard Ratner in 鈥淯ncut Gems鈥� garnered Sandler several nominations and awards, including winning the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Award.

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