Catherine O’Hara Posthumously Honored with SAG-AFTRA Award for ‘The Studio’
Catherine O’Hara, who passed away in January at the age of 71, was posthumously recognized for her outstanding performance in Apple TV’s “The Studio” at the 32nd Actor Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She received two awards: outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series and as part of the ensemble cast in the outstanding performance in a comedy series category.
A Standing Ovation and Emotional Tribute
The ceremony, streaming live on Netflix , included a moving tribute to O’Hara, with a standing ovation as her name was announced. Her “The Studio” co-star, Seth Rogen, accepted the award on her behalf, sharing anecdotes about her generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Rogen’s Reflections on O’Hara’s Talent
Rogen recounted O’Hara’s remarkable ability to elevate every scene, often submitting rewritten versions of her scenes the night before filming. “She knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set,” Rogen said, adding that her revisions consistently improved the scenes and the show as a whole. He emphasized that her genius was coupled with a remarkable kindness and graciousness.
A Legacy of Comedy
O’Hara’s nomination was for her portrayal of Patty Leigh, a former studio chief-turned-producer, on “The Studio.” She was recognized alongside fellow nominees Kathryn Hahn, Jenna Ortega, Jean Smart, and Kristen Wiig.
The audience visibly reacted to the honor, with Ortega and Hahn appearing emotional. Rogen concluded his speech by encouraging those unfamiliar with O’Hara’s work to experience her iconic roles, specifically mentioning her performances in “Beetlejuice” and “Best in Show.”
Previous Accolades and a Storied Career
This posthumous award adds to O’Hara’s previous recognition from SAG-AFTRA, including wins in 2021 for her role in “Schitt’s Creek.” She also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “The Studio.”
O’Hara’s five-decade career encompassed memorable roles in television, including “SCTV,” and films such as “Beetlejuice,” “Home Alone,” and Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries like “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman.” She also received a SAG Award nomination for “Temple Grandin” in 2011 and an Emmy nomination for her guest appearance in “The Last of Us” last year.
Hollywood Mourns a Beloved Star
O’Hara’s death in January, attributed to a blood clot in the lungs, prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans, including heartfelt messages from Macaulay Culkin and Seth Rogen.