It was a night to remember as Kevin Hart, the man who's spent 25 years making us laugh until our sides hurt, received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. At the Kennedy Center opera house, with comedy royalty like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle looking on, Hart had a moment that he'll surely to never forget - and neither will the rest of us.

Hart, in his signature heartfelt style, told the room, "I didn't start doing what I was doing to get awards," according to FOX5 DC. His career, which takes up a timeline as long as the Mark Twain Prize itself, has seen him sell out shows across the globe, star in box office hits from the "Jumanji" sequels to heartfelt dramedies like "Fatherhood," and let's not forget those action-packed comedies that pack a punch. But at the heart of it all? “I fell in love with the idea of comedy. It made me say, ‘Oh, my God, I fell in love with something I can do for the rest of my life,’" Hart exclaimed, as reported by The New York Times.

The evening was studded with stars like Jimmy Fallon, who took the stage donning a cowboy hat to sing his tribute, and performances by singers and rappers including Robin Thicke and Nelly. The Plastic Cup Boyz, who've been opening for Hart for an impressive 17 years, also paid their respects to the man of the hour.

Despite past controversies, such as Hart's decision to step down as the Oscars host in 2019 following a backlash over previous tweets about gay people, the Kennedy Center stood firm on their decision. Deborah Rutter, president of the organization, did not blink an eye about presenting him with the award. As Hart put it, committing to comedy was a "gamble," but looking at his star-studded career, it's a bet that's paid off in spades - a sentiment echoed by Chris Rock's joking that this was the “best acting Kevin Hart has ever done because ... he had to act like he had less money than Bryan Cranston,” as USA Today captured.

One thing is certain; while Kevin Hart might claim he didn't start his journey in comedy for the accolades, this latest addition to his trophy cabinet is a humorous, albeit shiny, testament to his impact on the funny bones of America. Comedy legends and fans alike can agree on one thing — Kevin Hart is a name that will be remembered in the halls of humor for years to come.