CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – On a chilly Tuesday afternoon, the streets of Cambridge were filled with excitement and energy as the city came together to honor one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Annette Bening, a two-time Golden Globe winner and five-time Oscar nominee, was named Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals 2024 Woman of the Year.
The festivities began with a raucous parade, full of colorful costumes and drag performers, leading the way for Bening’s grand entrance. As she made her way through the crowds, wearing a chic brown coat, hat, and sunglasses, she blew kisses and greeted fans with a warm smile. The parade was a stunning display of celebration and admiration for the talented actress.
But the fun didn’t stop there. Bening was then treated to a celebrity roast, where she was playfully teased and honored by her fellow actors. And it wouldn’t be a Hasty Pudding celebration without a bit of silliness. Bening joined a group of synchronized swimmers on stage, performing to the tune of “Pump Up the Jams,” a nod to her role as a swimmer in the movie “Nyad.” She even gave a volunteer a makeover, cutting his hair to match her iconic style. And in a hilarious moment, Bening donned a seagull costume, squawking and flapping her arms in a nod to her role in the movie adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.”
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the traditional pudding pot, a coveted award given to women who have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment. Bening, always one to make a joke, started her acceptance speech by thanking her kindergarten teacher, much to the delight of the audience. Her husband, Warren Beatty, who won the Man of the Year award in 1975, proudly looked on from the crowd.
Founded in 1795, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world. Since 1951, they have honored women who have made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Bening joins an impressive list of past recipients including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Coolidge.
Josh Hillers, the organization’s president, expressed the excitement of honoring Bening in the 175th anniversary year of the Hasty Pudding. “Hot off her recent Oscar nomination for Best Actress, we are thrilled to present her with the most prestigious award in the entertainment industry,” said Hillers.
Bening’s latest nomination comes for her role as the prickly long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad in the movie “Nyad.” Her career has spanned over three decades and has included iconic roles in films such as “The Grifters” and “American Beauty.” She has also received critical acclaim for her performances on stage in plays like “Medea” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
In addition to honoring Bening, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals also announced Barry Keoghan as the recipient of the 2024 Man of the Year Award. Keoghan, known for his roles in “Saltburn,” “Dunkirk,” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” will be honored on Friday night.
The Hasty Pudding celebration was a joyful and entertaining tribute to Annette Bening’s incredible talent and contributions to the world of entertainment. Her infectious energy and sense of humor were on full display, making her the perfect choice for the 2024 Woman of the Year. Congratulations, Annette Bening!
