Hmm, I disagree. Whoopi is actually an excellent performer who, unfortunately, has rarely gotten the scripts to display her talen. Along with Richard R., I saw her perform in San Francisco early in her career and she was absolutely astonishing. Richard Pryor was very appropriate as the first to receive the award -- his story-telling technique and characterizations (such as Mudbone) connect vibrantly with the same traditions that Twain does, and I am not the first to make the observation. Garrison Keillor would also be very appropriate for the award -- but no need to denigrate those who have won. Hilton Obenzinger