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

Actress celebrated with parade and roast in Cambridge

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Dozens of cheering fans lined the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts on Friday to celebrate Australian actress Rose Byrne, who was honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. Byrne, known for her roles in films like "Bridesmaids," "Neighbors," and "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," waved to the crowd and participated in a celebratory parade before being roasted and receiving the prestigious Pudding Pot award.

Why it matters

The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry, celebrating accomplished actresses who have made significant contributions to the arts. Byrne's recognition highlights her versatility and critical acclaim as a leading lady in both comedic and dramatic roles.

The details

Byrne was celebrated with a colorful parade featuring a cast of characters in drag, bright wigs, and revolutionary soldier costumes. After the parade, she joined members of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals players in a chorus line-style dance before heading inside to be roasted and receive her Pudding Pot award. The Hasty Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and has been bestowing this honor annually on women since 1951, with past recipients including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Scarlett Johansson.

  • The parade and roast took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Rose Byrne

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

Hasty Pudding Theatricals

The oldest theatrical organization in the nation, which has been honoring accomplished actresses as its Woman of the Year since 1951.

Daisy Nussbaum

The president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, who expressed excitement about honoring Rose Byrne with the prestigious award.

Jacqueline Metzger

A junior at Harvard University and the president of the university's short-form improv group, who expressed her love for Byrne's work and excitement to celebrate the actress.

Rachel Spurling

A first-year student at Harvard Business School who was recently crowned Miss Cambridge, and was thrilled to ride in the parade honoring Rose Byrne.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to be in the parade and to see Rose Byrne. I loved her movie 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' It was like so anxiety inducing and the best movie I've seen all year. So I'm super excited, and we love her. We love Rose Byrne.”

— Jacqueline Metzger, President of Harvard's short-form improv group (wbal.com)

“It is so exciting to be here today. This is my first appearance as Miss Cambridge. So I'm super excited to celebrate the arts and Rose and just be able to be in this community and celebrate women as well.”

— Rachel Spurling, First-year Harvard Business School student and Miss Cambridge (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

After receiving the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award, Rose Byrne will attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 177th production 'Salooney Tunes'.

The takeaway

Rose Byrne's recognition as the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year highlights her acclaimed acting career and the enduring legacy of the prestigious award, which has celebrated accomplished actresses for over 70 years. The celebratory parade and roast in Cambridge showcase the community's enthusiasm for honoring women in the arts.