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

The Australian actress is honored for her acclaimed film and theater work.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Rose Byrne, the acclaimed Australian actress known for roles in films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," 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, followed by a performance of the Hasty Pudding's 177th production.

Why it matters

The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry, recognizing exceptional talent and contributions. Byrne's selection highlights her versatility as an actress and the critical acclaim she has received, including a recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination.

The details

Rose Byrne will be honored on February 13 with a parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts, followed by a celebratory roast where she will receive the traditional pudding pot award. She will then attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production, "Salooney Tunes." Byrne is known for her roles in films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," "Insidious," and the recent drama "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," for which she received critical acclaim and award nominations.

  • Rose Byrne will be honored as the 2026 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year on February 13, 2026.
  • Byrne recently won a Golden Globe Award and received an Oscar nomination for her leading role in the film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You."

The players

Rose Byrne

An acclaimed Australian actress known for her roles in films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," for which she received a Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The oldest theatrical organization in the United States and one of the oldest in the world, which annually bestows the Woman of the Year award.

Daisy Nussbaum

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

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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

What’s next

On February 13, 2026, Rose Byrne will participate in a parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts, followed by a celebratory roast where she will receive the traditional pudding pot award from Hasty Pudding Theatricals. She will then attend a performance of the organization's 177th production, "Salooney Tunes."

The takeaway

Rose Byrne's selection as the 2026 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year underscores her remarkable talent and the critical acclaim she has received for her versatile acting work in both film and theater. This prestigious honor further solidifies Byrne's status as one of the leading actresses of her generation.