Adam Sandler, right, a cast member in Jay Kelly, arrives with his wife Jackie Sandler at the AFI Fest premiere of the film at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, on, October 23, 2025. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Adam Sandler to receive seniors group’s Movies for Grownups career achievement award

AARP says Jewish actor is among Hollywood’s ‘most enduring and ever-evolving stars,’ with talents that ‘resonate across generations;’ honor is celebrity’s second from organization

by · The Times of Israel

LOS ANGELES — Adam Sandler will be the next recipient of AARP’s Movies for Grownups career achievement award, the group said Tuesday.

And maybe this time, the actor will wait for his signal.

When Sandler won the group’s best actor prize in 2020 for”Uncut Gems,” he rushed to the stage too fast — before host Conan O’Brien had time to sing his praises. O’Brien made comic hay of the moment, sending the sheepish actor back to his seat with instructions to await “a signal.”

From his “Saturday Night Live” roots to beloved comedies like “Billy Madison” (1995) and the cult classic “Happy Gilmore” (1996) to dramas like “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002) and his high-energy turn in “Uncut Gems” (2019), Sandler, 59, has displayed an ever-growing range.

This summer, the Jewish actor-comedian reprised “Happy Gilmore” on Netflix and in November will appear alongside George Clooney in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.”

Winner of the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Sandler is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and ever-evolving stars, whose talents resonate across generations,” AARP said in a statement on Tuesday.

George Clooney, left, and Adam Sandler, cast members in ‘Jay Kelly,’ pose together at the AFI Fest premiere of the film at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, on October 23, 2025. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Myechia Minter-Jordan, the group’s CEO, called the actor “a Hollywood legend whose remarkable career has set a new standard for comedic storytelling, captivating audiences across generations.

“Adam’s enduring success, his ability to reinvent himself, inspire laughter, and move us through dramatic performances is a testament to the power of creativity at every age,” Minter-Jordan said.

AARP launched the Movies for Grownups initiative in 2002 to advocate for audiences over 50, fight ageism in Hollywood and promote movies “for grownups, by grownups.”

Actor Alan Cumming will host the ceremony in Beverly Hills on January 10, to be broadcast by “Great Performances” on PBS in February.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.