Comedians enjoy teasing each other, almost as if it’s a requirement for the job, and Kevin Hart experienced plenty of good-natured ribbing Sunday night while accepting the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Tiffany Haddish affectionately referred to him as a “leprechaun,” while Jerry Seinfeld quipped that, “Looking at Kevin Hart’s career, it doesn’t seem like it was that difficult.” Chris Rock, Regina Hall, Keith Robinson, Chelsea Handler, Dave Chappelle, and others joined in the playful banter.

Younger comedians took a more supportive tone. Kevin Hart is renowned for nurturing emerging talent, like Dave Burd, also known as Lil Dicky, a rapper from Philadelphia whom Hart has mentored and collaborated with on a new sitcom. Burd expressed his gratitude before the event, saying, “To grow up watching someone you consider the funniest person in the world, and then have that person reach out to you and say, ‘Let me help you and share everything I know about this industry’—it’s a dream come true.”

As with any prestigious award, there are opinions about omissions. Notably, neither Seinfeld nor Chris Rock has yet received the Mark Twain Prize, while Mel Brooks declined it without explanation. Critics like Sean McCarthy suggest that the prize, once seen as a lifetime achievement award akin to The Kennedy Center Honors, has evolved since around 2010 when recipients like Tina Fey and Will Ferrell were honored in their 40s. McCarthy believes the award should also recognize older comedians who have influenced younger generations.

During the ceremony, Hart was lauded by one comedian after another for his talents as a performer and entrepreneur. Beyond his stand-up comedy and film career, Hart is involved in various businesses including a production company, a tequila brand, and restaurants. Reflecting on his journey, Hart credited his strong work ethic to his mother, who passed away in 2007. He believes she would have been proud to witness him receiving comedy’s most prestigious accolade.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, featuring Kevin Hart’s ceremony, will premiere on Netflix on May 11.