The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) will award illusionist David Copperfield their highest honor today, "Magician of the Century", and name him the ‘King of Magic,’ an award which has never before been given by the association. S.A.M., the oldest and most prestigious magic organization in the world founded in 1902 and led by past president Harry Houdini himself, is recognizing Copperfield for his efforts to preserve, promote and enhance the art of magic throughout his legendary career. Its esteemed national president, Vinny Grosso, says that Copperfield has, "accomplished more than anyone else in the field of magic today." Copperfield was named Magician of the Century for the last century, and Magician of the Millennium from other organizations.

Among his many achievements, S.A.M. highlighted Copperfield’s dedication to excellence which has earned him the Living Legend Award from The Library of Congress, the first Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded to a living magician, a knighthood by the French government, 11 Guinness World Records and 21 Emmy awards. He has sold more tickets than any other solo artist in history and recently crossed $3 billion in ticket sales worldwide. In 1982, Copperfield created Project Magic, which teaches sleight-of-hand magic to those with disabilities as a method of physical and occupational therapy.

In addition, Copperfield is the creator and curator of the International Museum and Library of Conjuring Arts, which holds the world’s largest collection of historical magical artifacts, including Houdini's Water Torture Cell and Orson Welles' Buzz Saw Illusion.

The Society of American Magicians was founded on May 10, 1902 in Martinka's famous magic shop in New York City, New York. For over a century it has promoted the ideals shared by Kellar, Houdini, Thurston and over 45,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society.

Copperfield said, "I’m humbled by the honor and grateful to be recognized by this great organization."

Well deserved! IMHO David is the greatest all around Magician/Illusionist the world has ever seen.

Mazel Tov David!!! Congratulations - well deserved

David Copperfield is like Houdini. It is synonimous of magic.

In my opinion, he is the greatest magician ever. In his performance
there is always something who makes his effects to appear like
real magic.

Long life to David aka "King of Magic" and congratulations.

MP

When and where will the award ceremony take place?

How did David Blaine not get picked

Is this a sick joke?
This ridiculous tribute devalues the art of magic.

Sycophantic hype on this scale belongs to the moronic world of popular music, not to the conjuring arts.
The same kind of Barnum delusions made Michael Jackson 'Artist of the Century'.

What next?
A post-humous award to Michael Landon for being the actor of the century?

This hyperbolic nonsense reminds me of when Jacko accidentally awarded himself 'Artist of the Millennium'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfU3rQ9dNpw

Jack Black, in turn, modestly accepted his 'super-genius of the universe' award.

So far RJS is the only one making sense here.
Shaun"King of Magic Mountain" Dunn.

Comparing Blaine to Copperfield is like comparing a lightning bug to a lightning bolt.

I think Angel won the Merlin version of this honor.

Now, does David have any actual ruling power, or is it mostly ceremonial like the Queen of England? You know, just sitting and waving from parade floats and such.

Pepka, you're cracking me up!

Angels the man in my book.

Watching him talk about it on The Colbert Report right now.
The only logical explanation I can come up with is that the people who made the awards decision hoped this would get them access to his private horde of artifacts.

My nominations-
Magician of the Century: Doug Henning.
(Living) King of Magic: Lance Burton.

My nomination: King & Queen of Magic (Living) Siegfried & Roy

Toupée.

I think they did it just to **** off Chris Angel.

But how can some of you be unhappy he won this? I remember watching him as a kid, thinking he could fly for real. Other magicians seemed 'stiff' compared to him.

Yeah. It's almost like some people want to disgrace the art of magic by making some kind of connection to the entertainment industry.

What'a next? Great artists charging money to share their art?