Rose Byrne Honored as Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year

Actress receives prestigious award with parade and roast in Cambridge

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rose Byrne, the award-winning actress known for roles in films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," will be honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. Byrne will participate in a parade through Cambridge and receive her pudding pot award at a celebratory roast.

Why it matters

The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry, recognizing Byrne's impressive body of work and versatility as an actress. The annual celebration also highlights the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the oldest theatrical organization in the United States.

The details

As part of the celebration, Byrne will take part in a parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She will then receive her pudding pot award at a roast event. Afterward, Byrne will attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production, "Salooney Tunes." Byrne was recently recognized for her leading role in the film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," earning a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination.

  • The parade and roast will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • Byrne will attend the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' production on the same day.

The players

Rose Byrne

An award-winning Australian actress known for her roles in films such as "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," for which she received a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The oldest theatrical organization in the United States, which annually honors a Woman of the Year and a Man of the Year with a parade and roast in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Daisy Nussbaum

The president of Hasty Pudding Theatricals, who expressed excitement about honoring Rose Byrne as the 2026 Woman of the Year.

Michael Keaton

The actor known for his roles in films such as "Batman," "Birdman," "Beetlejuice," and "Spotlight," who was named the 2026 Hasty Pudding Man of the Year and received his pudding pot award on February 6.

Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press film critic who praised Byrne's performance in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" as a "tough dramatic role."

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year. Hot off a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination, it's only right that she receives the most prestigious award of all: a pudding pot.”

— Daisy Nussbaum, President, Hasty Pudding Theatricals (nbcboston.com)

“The film gave Byrne a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.”

— Jocelyn Noveck, Film Critic, The Associated Press (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

Byrne will attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production 'Salooney Tunes' immediately following the parade and roast ceremony on February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award recognizes Rose Byrne's impressive acting career and versatility, cementing her status as one of the most talented and acclaimed actresses of her generation.