Michael Keaton Named Harvard's 2026 Man of the Year

Michael Keaton is adding another trophy to his shelf, and this one comes with a side of comedy roast.

Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals announced Wednesday that the legendary actor will receive their 2026 Man of the Year award. The prestigious honor recognizes people who have made lasting contributions to entertainment, and Keaton certainly fits the bill.

The 73-year-old actor will receive his Pudding Pot award at a celebratory roast on February 6 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Afterward, he'll watch the theater group's 177th production, "Salooney Tunes."

Keaton's career spans four decades of unforgettable performances. He brought Batman to life in the late 1980s, then earned Oscar buzz for his raw performance in "Birdman." More recently, he won an Emmy for his powerful work in the Hulu miniseries "Dopesick," which tackled the opioid crisis.

The Hasty Pudding Theatricals has been honoring entertainment legends since 1844. That makes it the world's third-oldest still-operating theater group, and their award carries serious weight in Hollywood.

"He was Batman, then Birdman, and now, most importantly, he's a Pudding man!" said producer Eloise Tunnell. She added a playful warning: "Don't say his name three times!" (a nod to his iconic Beetlejuice role).

Why This Inspires

Keaton's recognition shows how versatility and staying power matter in entertainment. He's never been boxed into one type of role, moving seamlessly from superhero blockbusters to intimate character studies. His recent work on "Dopesick" proved he's still taking on meaningful projects that shine light on important issues.

The actor joins an impressive roster of past winners including Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ryan Reynolds. Last year's winner was Jon Hamm.

Harvard's Hasty Pudding group will also announce their Woman of the Year Award winner on January 30, continuing their tradition of celebrating excellence in entertainment.

From Gotham City to Cambridge, Michael Keaton keeps proving that great talent never goes out of style.