BOSTON — Michael Keaton, the renowned actor known for his diverse and impactful roles in cinema, is slated to be acknowledged as the 2026 Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Friday. This theatrical group, tracing its origins back to 1844 and counting itself among the world’s oldest continuously active theatrical organizations, is set to present Keaton with its celebrated Pudding Pot award during an evening ceremony filled with lighthearted roasts.
Following the award presentation, Keaton will attend a performance of the group’s 177th theatrical production titled "Salooney Tunes." The Man and Woman of the Year awards bestowed by Hasty Pudding Theatricals serve to honor individuals who have contributed timeless and noteworthy achievements to the entertainment industry.
Michael Keaton’s career highlights include critically acclaimed roles in films such as "Batman," "Birdman," "Beetlejuice," and "Spotlight." More recently, he has expanded his creative endeavors by directing and starring in the short film "Sweetwater," as well as taking a leading role and serving as executive producer on the eight-part Hulu miniseries "Dopesick."
"He was Batman, then Birdman, and now, most importantly, he’s a Pudding man!" remarked Eloise Tunnell, a producer for Hasty Pudding. She added, "Keaton is no stranger to being a superhero, but let’s see if that training earns him a Pudding Pot. We cannot wait to welcome him on February 6th: until then, don’t say his name three times!"
The previous year’s recipient of the award was actor Jon Hamm. Recent decades have seen the honor go to other prominent entertainers including Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ryan Reynolds. Alongside the Man of the Year, the Woman of the Year award, established in 1951, is scheduled to be presented on February 13 to Australian actress Rose Byrne.