No Joke: Adam Sandler to Receive ASCAP Founders Songwriting Award at 2026 ASCAP Experience
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Adam Sandler has received numerous awards for comedy, most notably the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023. On Thursday, he’ll be honored for his songwriting.
Sandler, 59, is set to receive the ASCAP Founders Award, which is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators, according to ASCAP.
The award has previously gone to the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, Stephen Schwartz, Dr. Dre, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, Elmer Bernstein, Jeff Lynne, Diane Warren, Quincy Jones, Neil Young and Elvis Costello.
The award will recognize Sandler’s contributions to music and songwriting across comedy, film and popular culture. Sandler will accept the award at the 2026 ASCAP Experience, a full day of panels, workshops and performances, which will be held Thursday (Feb. 12) at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
“Adam is a giant of comedy, and so many of his most hilarious onscreen moments are based in music and song,” ASCAP chairman of the board and president Paul Williams said in a statement. “From Opera Man to ‘The Chanukah Song’ to ‘Grow Old With You,’ Adam’s genius ability to seamlessly blend comedy and music helps us all appreciate the wonders and absurdities of life and love. ASCAP is honored to recognize Adam Sandler for his singular contributions to the comedy music canon.”
An ASCAP member for 33 years, Sandler has made his mark on comedy and music with nearly 450 ASCAP-registered works ranging from amusing ballads to playful sing-alongs. His 1995 classic “The Chanukah Song,” recorded live at UC Santa Barbara, reached No. 10 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Airplay chart. His 1996 follow-up, “The Thanksgiving Song,” also cracked that chart.
From his famous SNL classics like “Lunchlady Land” and “Red Hooded Sweatshirt” to newer songs like his heartfelt tribute to Chris Farley in his 2019 Netflix special 100% Fresh, no Sandler sketch is complete without a song.
Sandler has released six albums, three of which received Grammy nominations for best spoken comedy album: They’re All Gonna Laugh at You!, What the Hell Happened to Me? and Stan and Judy’s Kid.
Sandler’s songs are also featured in several of his hit films including The Wedding Singer (“Grow Old With You”), 50 First Dates (“Forgetful Lucy”), The Meyerowitz Stories (“Genius Girl”) and Eight Crazy Nights (“The Chanukah Song, Part 3”).
Now entering its 20th year, ASCAP Experience is designed to unite aspiring songwriters, composers and producers with hitmakers and industry leaders, offering practical guidance, creative inspiration, and essential tools for navigating the future of music.
Confirmed to participate in the 2026 Experience are Grammy-winning songwriter/producer duo Nova Wav (Beyoncé, Rihanna), writer and activist Justin Tranter (Chappell Roan, Justin Bieber), Oscar-nominated songwriter Mark Sonnenblick (KPop Demon Hunters), four-time Grammy-winning creator James Fauntleroy (Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars), hitmaker Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC), and writer-producers Darrell Brown (Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes) and Theron “Neff-U” Feemster (Justin Bieber, Sia), among others. In addition, legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will join ASCAP Experience for an afternoon fireside chat.
The day kicks off with ASCAP’s membership meeting, opening with a performance from Cautious Clay, followed by remarks from Williams and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. After that, a mix of panels, performances and workshops will take place.
