Adam Sandler is about to receive a major honor, just before the release of his latest Netflix film.
The actor is set to be recognized with the People’s Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards on Feb. 18, according to a Wednesday announcement. Simu Liu will host the annual awards ceremony at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, with the event airing live on NBC and E! and streaming on Peacock.
Sandler joins fellow People’s Choice honoree Lenny Kravitz, who was previously announced as the recipient of this year’s Music Icon Award and will perform at the show. Past recipients of the People’s Icon Award include Ryan Reynolds, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Melissa McCarthy.
“Adam Sandler has been a fixture in the industry for decades, entertaining us since he got his start on Saturday Night Live more than 30 years ago,” said Jen Neal, NBCUniversal Entertainment executive vp of live events and specials. “From Billy Madison to Mr. Deeds, his unforgettable characters have endured the test of time and left their mark on audiences for generations. We’re excited to honor him with this year’s People’s Icon Award.”
Sandler, who got his start as a stand-up comedian and SNL performer before shifting to film stardom, remains as busy as ever. His 2023 credits include Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah and the animated feature Leo. He stars alongside Carey Mulligan in director Johan Renck’s sci-fi drama The Spaceman, hitting Netflix on March 1.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that published last year, Sandler reflected on having connected with the ne’er-do-well characters that he often plays in his movies.
“I guess I connect to underdogs,” Sandler said at the time. “In real life, I’ve always rooted for underdogs. When I go on a basketball court and I play people one-on-one, if someone says, ‘I’m going to kick your ass,’ that’s usually a game where I go, ‘Oh, I’m going to win this time.’ Because I’m an underdog and I’m very comfortable being an underdog.”
