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

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

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Rose Byrne, the acclaimed Australian actress known for 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 13th.

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, with acclaimed dramatic and comedic roles on both the big screen and stage.

The details

Byrne will be honored on February 13th 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 also attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production, "Salooney Tunes." Byrne was selected for the honor on the heels of her Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination for her leading role in the film "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You."

  • Rose Byrne will be honored on February 13, 2026.
  • Byrne will start a Broadway revival of "Fallen Angels" in March 2026.

The players

Rose Byrne

An acclaimed Australian actress known for films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," as well as stage work including "Medea" and the upcoming "Fallen Angels" revival on Broadway.

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The oldest theatrical organization in the United States and one of the oldest in the world, which has bestowed the Woman of the Year award annually since 1951 on notable actresses including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Scarlett Johansson.

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

Byrne will receive the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award on February 13, 2026, which will include a parade through Cambridge and a celebratory roast. She will also attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production.

The takeaway

Rose Byrne's selection as the 2026 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year underscores her status as one of the most versatile and acclaimed actresses of her generation, with a resume spanning acclaimed films, television, and stage work. The honor further cements her place among the entertainment industry's elite.