POPCULTURE

May 28, 2008–Adam Sandler, 41, will be rewarded for his comedies with the Generation Award at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards, to be presented June 1 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City. He will receive the award for his “amazing contribution to Hollywood” and years of entertaining the network's young viewers, MTV announced Wednesday. The Generation Award is MTV Movie Awards' highest honor.

Adam Sandler became a box-office star by interpreting his favorite character, the man-child. He soared to fame portraying Peter Pan-like characters in “Happy Gilmore,” “Billy Madison,” and “Big Daddy,” branding himself the poster boy for guys who don't want to or can't mature.

“A 30-something water boy, a brokenhearted 1980s wedding singer and a rejected hockey player-turned-pro golfer, now that's an impressive resume,” said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music, Logo and Films Group, in a statement. Toffler was referring to Sandler's roles in “The Waterboy,” “The Wedding Singer” and “Happy Gilmore.”

Sandler's film credits include “Click,” “50 First Dates,” “Spanglish,” “Mr. Deeds,” “Punch-Drunk Love” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.” He will next be seen in the comedy “You Don't Mess With the Zohan,” opening June 6.