Ben Stiller jokes that people confuse him for his longtime buddy Adam Sandler 'all the time'

Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler are apparently constantly getting mixed up by people. There are similarities in their careers as romantic comedy actors and they are also both comedians. While there may be a distinction in their voices and looks, some people have mistaken the legends out in the wild.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on March 19 while attending an event where Sandler was honored with the 24th Annual Mark Twain Prize For American Humor, Stiller said shared that the two "get mistaken for each other all the time." He added: "So, just like, in life, it's always like, 'Yo, Sandler!' So we're like sending each other videos of people like going like, 'Hey, Adam, I love you. Thank you!'"

Stiller and Sandler are longtime buddies and even starred in several movies together, including "Happy Gilmore" (1996), "The Meyerowitz Stories" (2017), "Hubie Halloween" (2020) and "Pauly Shore Is Dead" (2003). Stiller gave major props to his friend while talking about why he was at the event to show his fellow comic star some love.

"I'm just very proud and happy for Adam, I think it's an amazing honor, and he's deserving because he's an amazingly talented person," the 57-year-old shared. "He's a great human being."

The pair first collaborated on "Happy Gilmore" in 1996, where Stiller had a brief uncredited role as a sadistic nursing home orderly. "I think his true self comes through in his work and who he is," Stiller continued. "Very honest, and in his comedy and his acting, he reveals himself. And I think people appreciate that and connect with that."

The "Zoolander" actor also shared that his longtime pal is also "very generous" and sensitive. "He reaches out so much to his fellow actors and friends. He's very supportive," Stiller added. "It's just who he is, but that's one of the things I love about him."

According to PEOPLE, many of Sandler's friends and costars were in attendance at the Kennedy Center to celebrate his night, including Jennifer Aniston, Chris Rock, Pete Davidson, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Conan O'Brien, Dana Carvey and Judd Apatow.

In his acceptance speech, Sandler joked that he is a man "who is now the proud owner of the 2023 Mark Twain Award for Athleticism, Sexual Prowess and Guitar Virtuosity." Meanwhile, Deborah F. Rutter, the president of the Kennedy Center, called Sandler a "remarkable artist," reports CNN.

"Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on SNL," Rutter said. "Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry and cry from laughing."

Accepting the award, Sandler acknowledged that he "would have loved to have worn basketball shorts—man, this suit is goofy—but I think I would have got yelled at too much by so many family members." Concluding his speech, he thanked what seemed like every person in his life—from siblings to comedy club owners and college buddies to the love of his life — who helped and encouraged him to chase his dreams, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

He then gently touched the bronze bust of Mark Twain and said, "As I look at this goofy award I'm holding, I just can't help but think this just may be the weapon used to bludgeon me, by an angry intruder... or Mr. Rob Schneider."

Sandler continued, "And when someone asks me: Those bad reviews you get—how does that make you feel? The reason they don't hurt me is that [my friends and I are having so much fun making these movies]. Everything we do together makes me feel like the critics don't know what they're talking about."