Adam Sandler will be honoured for his comedic songwriting later this week.
Although he’s best known for acting, the Happy Gilmore star will be honoured for his songwriting work by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) later this week.
The 59-year-old will receive the ASCAP Founders Award in recognition of his contributions to music and songwriting across comedy, film and popular culture at the 2026 ASCAP Experience day at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The Founders Award is annually presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.
With the award, Sandler will join an esteemed group of honourees including Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, Dr. Dre, Billy Joel, Diane Warren, Quincy Jones, Neil Young and Elvis Costello, among others.
“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 honoured to recognise Adam Sandler for his singular contributions to the comedy music canon.”
The Wedding Singer star has been an ASCAP member for 33 years and has nearly 450 ASCAP-registered works, ranging from amusing ballads to playful sing-alongs, according to a press release.
From his Saturday Night Live (SNL) days, Sandler is known for classics such as The Thanksgiving Song, Lunchlady Land and Red Hooded Sweatshirt. He has also performed several songs in films, including Grow Old With You from The Wedding Singer and Forgetful Lucy in 50 First Dates.
The Jay Kelly star has released six records over the years, three of which received Grammy nominations for best spoken comedy album.
