Though he exists primarily on a plane of existence occupied by people like Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher—in short, Grand Masters in the art of not giving a fuck—comedy legend Bill Murray seems primed to adopt at least one fuck he can then proceed to give: The New York Times reports the actor, bon vivant, and all-around supernova of charisma is the recipient of this year’s Mark Twain Prize For American Humor.
Evidence for this rare example of fuck-giving on Murray’s part can be seen by the actor’s genteel and good-natured response to being awarded this prize. “I’m honored by this award and by its timing. I believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long, that this news won’t disturb his peace.” Indeed, unlike the previous two honorees of this award, Eddie Murphy and Jay Leno, there’s very little on Murray’s resume that counts as the kind of out-and-out comedic failure that the president of the Kennedy Center has to then tactfully overlook in their statement. (Well, Garfield maybe.) Current president Deborah F. Rutter described him thusly: “An award-winning writer, actor and comedian, his brilliant wit and infectious spirit continue to inspire our laughter across generations both on and off the screen.”
The ceremony will be held at the Kennedy Center on October 23, with the event to be broadcast at a later date. Murray is the 19th person to receive the honor, but the first to do so following a career that includes being strapped to the mast of a sailboat for his art. It’s uncertain for now to whom Murray might bestow the fuck he gives about getting this award, but given the comedian supposedly still doesn’t carry a cell phone, it will likely be a face-to-face delivery.