Elizabeth Banks is following in the footsteps of the likes of Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, and Meryl Streep. The multi-hyphenate has been named Hasty Pudding’s 2020 Woman of the Year. The theater troupe described Banks as a “role model to all of the young women in the Theatricals,” as per The Seattle Times.
Banks will be honored with a parade through Cambridge and a celebratory roast on January 21. The troupe will perform a preview of “Mean Ghouls,” their second-ever show with a cast that features women. The troupe emphasized that Banks’ award — and her presence — is especially meaningful given that “Meal Ghouls” boasts a female writer, female producers, and a majority female cast.
A three-time Emmy nominee thanks to her roles on “Modern Family” and “30 Rock,” Banks’ recent on-screen credits include “Charlie’s Angels,” “Pitch Perfect 3,” and “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.” She also directed, co-wrote, and produced the former. Banks made her feature directorial debut with 2015 box office hit “Pitch Perfect 2.” Her upcoming slate includes co-starring in FX’s “Mrs. America,” an FX drama portraying the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment — and its ensuing backlash — and starring and directing in an updated take on “The Invisible Woman” for Universal.
Back in October Banks was named chair of the new Creative Council for the Center for Reproductive Rights. The “Hunger Games” actress is an executive producer on “Shrill,” a comedy about an aspiring writer who is learning to live loudly and proudly as a fat woman. Aidy Bryant stars in the adaptation of Lindy West’s memoir, which returns for a second season on Hulu January 24.