Rose Byrne Named Hasty Pudding’s 2025 Woman of the Year Amid Epstein Ties Probe

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Rose Byrne is Harvard’s latest Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, honored Friday with a parade down Massachusetts Avenue and the traditional presentation of a golden pudding pot. The recognition comes on the heels of a Golden Globe win for her performance in the 2025 film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” and an upcoming Best Actress nomination at the 98th Academy Awards, solidifying a remarkable run for the Australian actress.

The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, Harvard’s oldest theatrical troupe, has been recognizing prominent figures in entertainment since 1951. “We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year,” said Daisy Nussbaum, President of Hasty Pudding Theatricals, in a statement. “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.”

Byrne herself described the experience as “surreal” during an interview with NewsCenter 5 while riding in a White Bentley convertible during the parade. The procession featured students in elaborate, theatrical costumes, a hallmark of the Hasty Pudding celebrations. Following the parade, Byrne was slated to be “roasted” – a playful tradition where members of the student troupe deliver humorous tributes – and attend a performance of their 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.”

Byrne’s career spans a diverse range of roles, from the comedic breakout in “Bridesmaids” to the horror franchise “Insidious” and the critically acclaimed television series “Damages.” Her recent Golden Globe win for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” marks a significant achievement and the Oscar nomination further elevates her standing in Hollywood. Last year’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year was Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her role as Elphaba in the “Wicked” films. Previous honorees include Scarlett Johansson, Viola Davis, and Jennifer Coolidge, demonstrating the award’s prestige and recognition of exceptional talent.

However, the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the Hasty Pudding award is tempered by ongoing scrutiny of Harvard’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released documents reveal that the Hasty Pudding Institute received over $375,000 in donations from Epstein between 2013 and 2019. These revelations come as Harvard expands its internal investigation into connections between Epstein and university alumni and institutions.

Reports indicate a close relationship between Epstein and Andrew Farkas, who served as chairman of the Hasty Pudding Institute during the period of the donations. The hall where much of the Woman of the Year celebration takes place is named after Farkas. According to an undated news release, Hasty Pudding officials previously described Epstein as a “well-known science and Harvard philanthropist” who “put his substantial support behind Harvard’s famous and oldest theatrical troupe.”

When questioned about the Epstein donations, a spokesperson for Hasty Pudding directed inquiries to Andrew Farkas, chairman of the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770. Notably, organizers of the Hasty Pudding event did not address the donations during actor Michael Keaton’s recent recognition as the 2026 Man of the Year, suggesting a deliberate effort to separate the celebration from the controversy.

The timing of these revelations adds a layer of complexity to the Hasty Pudding celebrations. While the award recognizes Byrne’s artistic achievements, the shadow of the Epstein scandal raises questions about the sources of funding and the ethical considerations surrounding accepting donations from individuals with problematic pasts. The university’s ongoing investigation will likely shed further light on the extent of Epstein’s influence and the steps Harvard is taking to address the situation.

Despite the surrounding controversy, Byrne appeared to embrace the spirit of the event, telling onlookers during the parade, “I am having the time of my life, these are my new best friends. I love it.” The Hasty Pudding Theatricals continue to uphold a long-standing tradition of honoring accomplished entertainers, even as the institution navigates a challenging period of scrutiny and accountability.