CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On a chilly Wednesday, enthusiastic fans lined the streets to celebrate Cynthia Erivo, the renowned star of “Wicked,” as she was honored as Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year.

Erivo, dressed warmly in a parka and sporting her signature long nails, waved to the crowd while blowing kisses and expressing her affection through gestures as a vehicle carrying her and various members of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals slowly passed through Cambridge. A delighted fan presented her with a red rose, and many others held up signs recognizing her talents. She was also met with affectionate cheek kisses from members of the theatrical troupe.

The half-hour parade was a colorful affair, featuring vibrant marching bands, a mechanical bull situated in a pickup truck, and performers from the Blue Man Group who delighted the audience with a shower of confetti.

“She’s an absolute icon,” exclaimed Onovughakpor Otitigbe, a 21-year-old Harvard student from New York, who avidly followed Erivo during the festivities.

“She has done so much for Black women, particularly in theater,” Otitigbe continued. “As a Black woman in theater myself, it was truly remarkable to see her in person … Oh my gosh, I snapped so many selfies. My friend and I were chasing her from the beginning to the end of the parade.”

Several hours later, Erivo received her coveted Pudding Pot award during a lively roast ceremony.

She faced a series of comedians who humorously poked fun at the length of “Wicked” until they were eventually ushered off stage. Subsequently, she took part in a funny finger-painting contest where she created an abstract piece meant to resemble her co-star Ariana Grande. The audience erupted in cheers as she subsequently participated in a singing contest, showcasing her vocal talent before being presented with a blue Pudding Pot by members of the Blue Man Group—one dressed as a witch, while another creatively used a leaf blower to make a cape billow. The actual Pudding Pot soon followed.

Erivo expressed her delight to the crowd, calling the day “fantastic,” and later shared with reporters that being recognized by the theater community for her contributions was a significant honor.

“It truly means a lot because theater is something that remains with you; the craft you love, the work you engage in, the standards you set,” she remarked. “It nurtures the work you do on screen … Being acknowledged for my stage accomplishments means so much. It shows that my efforts are still resonating, which is incredibly gratifying.”

In addition to her role in the hit musical, the British talent is a two-time Oscar nominee and has also secured an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award.

Erivo first gained widespread acclaim with her stunning portrayal in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple,” earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016. Her performance of songs from the play on the “Today” show led to her winning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Performance. The soundtrack of the show also snagged the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2017.

In the previous year, Erivo starred in and produced “Drift,” which tells the story of a young Liberian refugee fleeing her war-torn homeland for a Greek island. Additionally, in 2021, she earned an Emmy nomination for her role as Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic series “Genius: Aretha.”

Man and Woman of the Year Events Coordinator Hannah Frazer stated in anticipation of the event, “We are holding space for Cynthia Erivo’s arrival. We’re tidying up our broomstick closets and readying some clever humor as we look forward to her visit in February. Before she departs with her Pudding Pot, she’ll have to conjure a bit of magic to earn it.”

Founded in 1844, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals claims the title of the world’s third-oldest theatrical organization still in operation. Following the roast, Erivo was set to attend a performance of their 176th production, “101 Damnations.”

Actor Jon Hamm, known for his role as Don Draper in the series “Mad Men,” was honored as the 2025 Man of the Year, having received his Pudding Pot on January 31.

Since 1951, the Pudding has awarded its Woman of the Year honor to numerous esteemed actors, including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, and Annette Bening.