At the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) awards held on February 7 in Los Angeles, Vancouver-born Seth Rogen and his co-creator Evan Goldberg paid heartfelt tribute to Catherine O’Hara, describing her as an inspiration and “an utter genius.” The pair won the award for outstanding directorial achievement in a comedy series for their work on The Studio, which features O’Hara in a pivotal role.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Celebrate Catherine O’Hara at DGA Awards
Seth Rogen, co-creator, director, actor, and writer of The Studio, expressed deep gratitude toward the late Catherine O’Hara during their acceptance speech. O’Hara, who passed away on January 30, played former studio executive-turned-producer Patty Leigh in all ten episodes of the series’ first season. Her performance earned her a 2025 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
“Honestly, there’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,”
Rogen said in the ceremony, highlighting the profound respect he had for the Canadian actress and comedy icon.
Co-creator Evan Goldberg emphasized how much O’Hara meant to him and Rogen personally, stating,
“We grew up in Canada, and she is and was quite literally our idol since we were children.”
Both Rogen and Goldberg recalled how O’Hara’s unforgettable role as Kevin McCallister’s mother in the Home Alone films inspired them to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.
Catherine O’Hara’s Influence on The Studio and Its Creators
Rogen shared anecdotes from the set, reflecting on how much O’Hara reminded him of her Home Alone character.
“Home Alone, honestly, is the movie that made me want to make movies in a lot of ways,”
Rogen explained. He humorously noted how O’Hara would often call out to her co-star Evan Goldberg on set, much like her character’s famous cries of “Kevin, Kevin,” in Home Alone.
He further praised O’Hara for her brilliance and kindness, saying,
“And the best part of her is she showed that you can be an utter genius and also the nicest person in the entire world. It was an honour to get to direct her every day and we worked very hard to make the show good enough to warrant her time and her presence.”
Rogen concluded their tribute by extending gratitude beyond the award itself:
“So, ultimately, we would like to thank the DGA for this, but we would mostly like to thank Catherine O’Hara for being such a wonderful person and for blessing us with your presence.”
The Significance of ‘The Oner’ Episode and Canadian Contributions
The DGA award recognized Rogen and Goldberg’s direction of the episode titled The Oner, which cleverly centers on award-winning actress, writer, and director Sarah Polley. Polley stars as herself, directing a film featuring actress Greta Lee, and attempts to shoot a complex scene in a single continuous take during the “magic hour,” the time shortly before sunset.
This collaboration highlights not only the talent behind The Studio but also its strong ties to Canadian talent, with O’Hara, Polley, Rogen, and Goldberg all sharing Canadian roots. The success of the series at awards shows, including a record 13 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, underscores its critical acclaim and rising reputation in the television landscape.
The Studio’s Continuing Success and Upcoming Projects
As The Studio prepares for production on its second season, the tribute to O’Hara carries added weight, acknowledging her indelible contributions while honoring her legacy. The series continues to shape Canadian involvement in international entertainment, linking the creative energies of Vancouver, Toronto, and beyond.
Vancouver itself gains further prominence through the achievements of Rogen and Goldberg, who bring forward the city’s robust creative community with their award-winning work. The Studio’s blend of sharp humor, industry insight, and impressive performances establishes the show as a major player in comedy television.
The recognition at the DGA awards also reflects the broader influence Canadian artists have on Hollywood and global entertainment, emphasizing the importance of their cultural and professional exchanges.
