Catherine O’Hara, who died earlier this year, was posthumously honored at The Actor Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles on March 1, 2026. She received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in the Apple TV+ show The Studio. The event, formerly known as the SAG Awards, celebrated her outstanding work and lasting impact on fellow performers.
Seth Rogen, the creator and star of The Studio, accepted the award on O’Hara’s behalf, delivering a moving speech that resonated deeply with the audience. The late actress, known for her roles in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, passed away at 71 on January 30 of this year due to pulmonary embolism and rectal cancer. In The Studio, she portrayed Patty Leigh, a mentor figure to Rogen’s character Matt Remick.
Heartfelt Words from Seth Rogen Highlight O’Hara’s Talent and Generosity
During his acceptance of the award, Seth Rogen spoke with visible emotion, reflecting on both his personal experiences working with Catherine O’Hara and her remarkable spirit. His tribute touched on her kindness and the strength of her artistic contributions, saying,
“I was asked to assume the very sad honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf. I know she would have been honoured to receive this award from her fellow performers, who I know she respected so much. She was such big fans of all of yours.”
Rogen further elaborated on O’Hara’s professionalism and passion for her craft, sharing,
“I, obviously, have been reflecting on the time I was fortunate enough to spend with her and working with her, and something that I’ve just been marveling at over the last few weeks was really her ability to be generous and kind and gracious, while never, ever minimizing her own talents and her own ability to contribute to the work that we were doing.
She knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set.”
His words painted a picture of a committed artist who approached every day on set with fierce dedication. Rogen recalled how Catherine O’Hara would send detailed emails with suggestions the day before filming, helping to elevate scenes beyond expectations. He emphasized how her input improved the sequences and enriched the final product.
Rogen concluded his tribute by urging the audience to appreciate and continue sharing Catherine O’Hara’s work with their peers, stating,
“We were lucky that we got to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us.”
Highlights from The Actor Awards 2026: Major Victories for The Studio and Sinners
The Studio claimed three major honors at this year’s Actor Awards, securing titles for best comedy series ensemble, best actor in a comedy, and best actress in a comedy with O’Hara’s award. The ceremony also recognized other notable performances across film and television.
Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners took home awards for best ensemble cast and best male actor. In dramatic categories, The Pitt won best drama series ensemble, with Noah Wyle awarded best actor for his role. Owen Cooper earned acclaim for Best Actor in a Limited Series with Adolescence, while Michelle Williams was recognized for her performance in Dying for Sex.
Alongside Catherine O’Hara, nominees in the comedy acting category included Kathryn Hahn, Jenna Ortega, Jean Smart, and Kristen Wiig, showcasing the strong field of talent celebrated at the event.
The Lasting Impact of Catherine O’Hara’s Career and Legacy
Catherine O’Hara’s posthumous recognition at The Actor Awards underscores her profound influence on television comedy and her peers. Her award-winning performance in The Studio represents the final chapter of an enduring and beloved career. The heartfelt tribute delivered by Seth Rogen highlighted both her immense talent and generous nature, reminding audiences and colleagues alike of her exceptional contributions.
Her passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment community, but the honors bestowed at the ceremony ensure her work will continue to inspire. Given the broad acclaim for The Studio and the reverence from fellow actors, Catherine O’Hara’s legacy will remain a vital part of television history moving forward.
