Adam Sandler to Receive ASCAP Founders Award for Pioneering Contributions to Music
Adam Sandler will be honored with the ASCAP Founders Award at the 2026 ASCAP Experience for his significant impact on music through comedy, film, and popular culture.
Adam Sandler, known for his comedic prowess and recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023, is set to receive another prestigious honor: the ASCAP Founders Award.
This award celebrates songwriters and composers who have made groundbreaking contributions to music, inspiring fellow creators, according to ASCAP.
Past recipients include luminaries such as Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, Stephen Schwartz, Dr. Dre, Carly Simon, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, Elmer Bernstein, Jeff Lynne, Diane Warren, Quincy Jones, Neil Young and Elvis Costello.
The award acknowledges Sandler’s wide-ranging impact on music and songwriting across comedy, film, and popular culture. He will accept the award at the 2026 ASCAP Experience, a day filled with panels, workshops, and performances, held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, February 12.
"Adam is a giant of comedy, and so many of his most hilarious onscreen moments are based in music and song,” said ASCAP chairman of the board and president Paul Williams 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 honored to recognize Adam Sandler for his singular contributions to the comedy music canon."
An ASCAP member for 33 years, Sandler has an impressive catalog of nearly 450 ASCAP-registered works, ranging from humorous ballads to playful sing-alongs. His 1995 hit “The Chanukah Song,” recorded live at UC Santa Barbara, reached No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Airplay chart, followed by “The Thanksgiving Song” in 1996.
From SNL classics like “Lunchlady Land” and “Red Hooded Sweatshirt” to his heartfelt tribute to Chris Farley in his 2019 Netflix special 100% Fresh, music is integral to Sandler’s comedy.
Sandler has released six albums, with three receiving Grammy nominations for best spoken comedy album: They’re All Gonna Laugh at You!, What the Hell Happened to Me?, and Stan and Judy’s Kid.
His songs are also featured in films like The Wedding Singer (“Grow Old With You”), 50 First Dates (“Forgetful Lucy”), The Meyerowitz Stories (“Genius Girl”), and Eight Crazy Nights (“The Chanukah Song, Part 3”).
Now in its 20th year, ASCAP Experience aims to connect aspiring songwriters, composers, and producers with industry leaders, offering guidance, inspiration, and tools for navigating the future of music.
Participants in the 2026 Experience include Grammy-winning duo Nova Wav (Beyoncé, Rihanna), writer and activist Justin Tranter (Chappell Roan, Justin Bieber), Oscar-nominated songwriter Mark Sonnenblick (KPop Demon Hunters), James Fauntleroy (Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars), Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC), Darrell Brown (Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes), and Theron “Neff-U” Feemster (Justin Bieber, Sia). Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will also join for a fireside chat.
The day will commence with ASCAP’s membership meeting, featuring a performance from Cautious Clay, followed by remarks from Williams and ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. The event will continue with panels, performances, and workshops.
Related Articles
- Songwriter's Showcase: Decoding the Potential Winners
- Taylor Swift, KISS, and Alanis Morissette Lead Songwriters Hall of Fame 2026 Class
- Taylor Swift to be Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame as Youngest Woman Ever
Related Articles
Listen to Adam Sandler on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment