Hollywood Stars Break Down in Tears as Catherine O'Hara Wins Posthumous Award
In a deeply emotional ceremony, Hollywood stars were moved to tears as Catherine O'Hara was posthumously awarded the Best Actress in a Comedy prize at the Actor Awards on Sunday. The beloved actress, known for her iconic roles in Schitt's Creek and Beetlejuice, passed away in January at the age of 71 after a brief illness. Her final public appearance was at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September, making this tribute all the more poignant for the entertainment community.
Seth Rogen's Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
Seth Rogen, the star and co-creator of The Studio, took to the stage to accept the award on O'Hara's behalf. Visibly emotional, Rogen addressed the crowd at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, stating, 'I was asked to assume the very sad honour of accepting this award on O'Hara's behalf.' He reflected on O'Hara's legacy, noting that she would have been 'honoured' to be nominated alongside fellow stars Jenna Ortega, Jean Smart, Kathryn Hahn, and Kristen Wiig.
Rogen, 43, shared personal anecdotes about working with O'Hara on the Apple TV series The Studio, where she portrayed Patty Leigh, a studio executive turned producer. He marveled at her ability to be 'generous and kind and gracious while never ever minimising her own talents.' The camera captured nominee Jenna Ortega, O'Hara's co-star in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, wiping away tears as Rogen spoke, highlighting the profound impact O'Hara had on her peers.
O'Hara's Creative Genius and Legacy
Rogen revealed that O'Hara would often email him and co-creator Evan Goldberg before shooting days, suggesting completely rewritten versions of her scenes. 'She knew she could destroy and she wanted to destroy every day on set,' he said, adding that her notes improved scenes '100 percent of the time.' This dedication showcased her unique blend of creativity and collaboration, which Rogen praised as a testament to her genius.
He emphasized that O'Hara demonstrated 'you can be a genius and be kind,' without one quality diminishing the other. To honor her memory, Rogen urged the audience to share O'Hara's work, such as her dance to Harry Belafonte in Beetlejuice or her hilarious knee injury scene in Best in Show, ensuring future generations appreciate her talent.
Reactions and Tributes from the Industry
The ceremony was filled with raw emotion, as attendees laughed and cried throughout Rogen's speech. Kristen Wiig, a fellow nominee and Saturday Night Live alum, was seen laughing in the crowd, reflecting the joy O'Hara brought to those around her. The event underscored the deep respect and admiration Hollywood holds for O'Hara, not just as an actress but as a cherished colleague and friend.
The Studio, available for streaming on Apple TV, serves as a lasting tribute to O'Hara's final performance. Her role as Patty Leigh, which prioritized film quality over commercial success, resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing her status as a legendary figure in comedy and television.
