Hollywood actress Annette Bening recently received a spirited and colorful celebration in the form of a parade and celebrity roast as she was named Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals 2024 Woman of the Year. Bening, a two-time Golden Globe winner and now a five-time Oscar nominee, was honored for her remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment.
The festivities kicked off with a lively parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bening, adorned in a stylish brown coat, hat, and sunglasses, charmed the crowd as she blew kisses and interacted with drag performers along the route. The parade concluded with Bening joining several others in an enthusiastic can-can dance, showcasing her infectious energy and enthusiasm.
Later that evening, Bening endured a celebrity roast before attending a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals' 175th production, titled 'Heist Heist Baby.' The evening was filled with laughter and good-natured teasing as Bening's colleagues and friends took turns ribbing her on stage. Unfazed, she embraced the light-hearted atmosphere with her trademark wit and grace.
During the performance, Bening took center stage in a series of memorable moments. She joined a group of synchronized swimmers, flawlessly executing swim strokes to the beat of 'Pump Up the Jams,' a nod to her role in the swimming movie 'Nyad.' In another entertaining segment, Bening showcased her hairstyling skills by cutting the hair of a volunteer, attempting to replicate her own signature look. To top it all off, she transformed into a seagull, imitating the infamous sea bird, and squawked and flapped her arms in a comical homage to her role in the movie adaptation of Anton Chekhov's 'The Seagull.'
Accepting the traditional pudding pot, Bening humorously quipped, 'I did it all myself with no one's help,' before attempting to start her speech by thanking her kindergarten teacher. Her husband, Warren Beatty, a previous recipient of the Man of the Year award in 1975, proudly witnessed the event.
The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the oldest theatrical organization in the United States and one of the oldest in the world, has been conferring its Woman of the Year award since 1951. This prestigious accolade is awarded annually to women who have made substantial and lasting contributions to the entertainment industry. Bening now joins an illustrious list of previous honorees, including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Coolidge.
Josh Hillers, the president of the Hasty Pudding organization, expressed his excitement regarding Bening's recognition, stating, 'We're absolutely thrilled to honor Annette Bening in this milestone 175th anniversary year for the Hasty Pudding. Hot off her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, we're excited to present her with the most prestigious award in the entertainment industry.'
Bening's Oscar nomination, her fifth in total, is in the Best Actress category. The recognition comes as a result of her outstanding portrayal of Diana Nyad, a determined long-distance swimmer, in the film 'Nyad.' Alongside her Oscar nomination, Bening has also garnered acclaim throughout her career, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and notable performances in films such as 'The Grifters' and 'American Beauty.'
The celebrations aren't over yet for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, as they prepare to bestow their 2024 Man of the Year Award upon Irish actor Barry Keoghan. Known for his roles in acclaimed films like 'Saltburn,' 'Dunkirk,' 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer,' 'Eternals,' and 'The Banshees of Inisherin,' Keoghan will be honored during a special ceremony on Friday night.
The Hasty Pudding Theatricals' festivities continue to recognize and celebrate exceptional talent in the world of entertainment. Annette Bening's effervescent personality, immense talent, and remarkable achievements solidify her place as this year's deserving Woman of the Year.
