Michael Keaton brought humor, honesty, and sharp timing to Harvard University as he accepted the 2026 Man of the Year award from the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. The night blended comedy with reflection, offering a clear look at why Keaton continues to hold a respected place in entertainment.
Hasty Pudding Theatricals, founded in 1844 and recognized as the world’s third-oldest continuously operating theater group, presented Keaton with its traditional Pudding Pot during a lively evening ceremony. The award celebrates individuals whose work has left a lasting impression on entertainment.
After the presentation, Keaton attended the troupe’s 177th production, titled “Salooney Tunes.” The group annually selects a Man and Woman of the Year to recognize influence, longevity, and cultural impact in film and television.
A Career Marked by Range and Impact
Instagram | samantha.s.photo.s | Michael Keaton’s diverse career is defined by hits like "Batman" and "Beetlejuice."
Keaton’s filmography spans decades and genres. Audiences widely recognize him for standout roles in “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Spotlight.” His more recent work includes starring in and directing the short film “Sweetwater,” along with starring in and serving as executive producer on Hulu’s eight-part miniseries “Dopesick.”
The honor places Keaton among a notable group of past recipients, including Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, and last year’s honoree, Jon Hamm.
A Ceremony Built on Comedy
The celebration leaned into Keaton’s on-screen legacy. The event opened with Keaton dressed as Batman, chasing and later jousting with an Oscar statue. The moment referenced his 2015 Academy Award nomination for “Birdman,” which did not result in a win. The scene ended with Keaton mock-stabbing the statue after it delivered a sharp line:
“I thought your performance in ‘Birdman’ was subpar.”
Later, Keaton appeared dressed as a McDonald’s employee, nodding to his role as Ray Kroc in a film about the fast-food chain’s rise. Holding a spatula, he served an increasingly demanding customer asking for larger burgers. As the bit escalated, Keaton summed it up with a grin:
“You didn’t think I could do this. Make a huge burger for the guy.”
Praise for the Next Generation
After spending time around campus, Keaton spoke highly of Harvard students and shared an optimistic view of the country’s future.
“I'm ridiculously encouraged about this country,” he said. “The older generation not so much. Man, these people I've met are extraordinarily impressive. It's been a ball. Based on these people, we are in good shape folks.”
His comments reflected a sense of confidence in younger voices shaping what comes next.
Reflections on Ray Kroc and Catherine O’Hara
During a press session, Keaton reflected on working with Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-born comedian and “SCTV” alum who died last week. The two worked together on “Beetlejuice,” “The Paper,” and the smaller film “Game 6,” where O’Hara played the ex-wife of Keaton’s character.
Instagram | amantha.s.photo.s | Keaton paid tribute to his frequent collaborator Catherine O’Hara following her passing.
Keaton spoke about her early reputation within comedy circles:
“I was just always a giant fan like everyone else,” he said. “Inside the comedy world, she was already kind of a goddess. She wasn’t really famous or anything, but we all knew how brilliant she was and how great she was and what a nice woman she was. And so then it started to take off for her.”
Keaton also addressed portraying Ray Kroc, explaining that the role came with clear boundaries. He made sure Kroc understood the film would not soften or sugarcoat his story. Despite acknowledging Kroc’s flaws, Keaton noted one trait that stood out.
He described Kroc as an extremely hard worker and said that determination became the anchor for the performance.
Context Surrounding Recent Donations
The celebration came days after the U.S. Justice Department released records about Jeffrey Epstein, a longtime donor to Hasty Pudding. The documents showed that between 2013 and 2019, Epstein gave around $50,000 each year, totaling over $300,000, to maintain top-tier donor status. These donations included perks such as free tickets.
The contributions were made through the Jeffrey Epstein Virgin Islands Foundation and Gratitude for America, a charity connected to Epstein. In a news release, Hasty Pudding described him as a “well-known science and Harvard philanthropist” and credited him for supporting the theatrical group. Questions about the donations were directed to Andrew Farkas, chairman of the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770. Organizers did not comment on the donations during Keaton’s press conference.
Michael Keaton’s Man of the Year award highlights a career defined by range, discipline, and creative risks. The ceremony combined humor with reflection, offering a clear view of how tradition, entertainment, and accountability intersect today.
