Rose Byrne named Harvard's Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year

The Australian actress was honored for her acclaimed role in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You'

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Rose Byrne, the acclaimed Australian actress known for films like 'Bridesmaids,' 'Neighbors,' and 'Insidious,' has been named the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. Byrne will be honored with a parade and celebratory roast on February 13 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Why it matters

The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in entertainment, recognizing performers who have made significant contributions to the industry. Byrne's selection highlights her rising star power and critical acclaim, especially for her leading role in the film 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You,' which earned her a Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination.

The details

Byrne will receive her pudding pot award at a celebratory roast on February 13, after which she will attend a performance of Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production 'Salooney Tunes.' The Hasty Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world, having bestowed the Woman of the Year award annually since 1951 on actors like Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Scarlett Johansson.

  • Rose Byrne will be honored on February 13, 2026.
  • Byrne will attend a performance of Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production 'Salooney Tunes' on February 13, 2026.

The players

Rose Byrne

An acclaimed Australian actress known for films like 'Bridesmaids,' 'Neighbors,' and 'Insidious.' She recently won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for her leading role in the film 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.'

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world, which has bestowed the Woman of the Year award annually since 1951.

Daisy Nussbaum

The President of Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

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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 of Hasty Pudding Theatricals

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

— Jocelyn Noveck

What’s next

On February 13, 2026, Rose Byrne will participate in a parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before receiving her pudding pot award at a celebratory roast. She will then attend a performance of Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production 'Salooney Tunes'.

The takeaway

Rose Byrne's selection as the 2026 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year underscores her rising stardom and critical acclaim, particularly for her acclaimed performance in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' The prestigious award from one of the oldest theatrical organizations in the world further cements Byrne's status as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation.