Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals has bestowed the title of "Man of the Year" upon Jason Bateman, marking the first recipient since 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Recognizing exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry, this accolade is scheduled to be presented to the versatile actor, producer, and director of the Netflix series "Ozark" at a comedic event on February 3.
In an announcement on Thursday, the theater company expressed its enthusiasm for awarding the 55th annual Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Award to Jason Bateman. Nick Amador, the organization's president, humorously remarked, "It's been a while since we've given one of these out, so we thought we'd give it to the guy all our moms have a crush on after watching 'Ozark.'"
The last recipient of the Man of the Year honor was Ben Platt in 2020. Notable past awardees include industry icons such as Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, and Samuel L. Jackson. Jason Bateman, 52, boasts an impressive track record, having secured an Emmy Award in 2020 for best directing in a drama series for "Ozark," as well as two SAG Awards for his performance in the same series. His Golden Globe win in 2005 for best actor recognized his portrayal of Michael Bluth in "Arrested Development."
Having begun his career in the early 1980s, Bateman has left an indelible mark with his presence in various television series and starring roles in films like "Horrible Bosses," "Game Night," and "Identity Thief." Notably, at the age of 18, he became the youngest director in the Directors Guild of America after directing three episodes of "Valerie," according to the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, an esteemed theater group tracing its roots back to 1844, self-proclaimed as the third oldest theater group globally.
The Man of the Year Award, established in 1967, recognizes individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the world of entertainment. The counterpart, the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Award, originated in 1951, with the 2022 honoree yet to be revealed. In 2021, the award celebrated the accomplished Viola Davis for her outstanding achievements in acting. Both awards serve to highlight and honor individuals whose impact has left a lasting imprint on the entertainment landscape.
