Elizabeth Banks Parades Through Harvard Square With The Annual Hasty Pudding Procession

On Friday afternoon, Hasty Pudding Theatricals celebrated actress, director, and Pittsfield-native Elizabeth Banks with much pomp, circumstance and merry-making in Harvard Square. The group, which is the oldest theatrical organization in the United States, chose the Emmy-nominated performer as its 2020 Woman of the Year. Banks led the annual parade through the streets of Cambridge, followed by a celebratory roast where she would be feted and awarded her pudding pot. The troupe was also expected to perform a preview of "Mean Ghouls."

This marks only the second time a Hasty Pudding show has included women in the cast. Banks was chosen because of "her impact in Hollywood as a female director, producer and writer," according to the troupe's leaders. The tradition of Hasty Pudding productions dates back to the 18th century. It has honored a Woman of the Year since 1951, and previous winners include Ella Fitzgerald, Meryl Streep and Halle Berry. The group's 2020 Man of the Year has not yet been announced.