Catherine O'hara Wins SAG-AFTRA Actor Award Posthumously and Receives Standing Ovation
catherine o'hara was posthumously honored Sunday at SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards, taking home the prize for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series for Apple TV’s The Studio and sharing the show’s ensemble award. The dual wins, and the public tribute delivered on her behalf, underscore the industry recognition of work from the final chapter of her career.
SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards Recognition
O'Hara, who died in January at 71 after a brief illness, was named the winner in the outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series category for her portrayal of former studio chief-turned-producer Patty Leigh on The Studio. The cast of The Studio also won the outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series category, giving the production two Actor Awards on the same night.
Catherine O'hara Tribute by Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen walked onstage to accept O'Hara’s award on her behalf and was met with a standing ovation for the late actor. Rogen said she would have been honored by recognition from fellow performers and reflected on their time working together, highlighting both her kindness and her fierce commitment to the work. He recalled that she regularly rewrote scenes and would email him and Evan Goldberg the evening before a shooting day, beginning, 'Hello, I hope you'll consider the following, ' and that her changes improved her character, the scene and the show.
The Studio Nomination Details
Her nomination and win came in a strong field that included The Studio co-star Kathryn Hahn for her role as Maya Mason. Also nominated in the category were Jenna Ortega for her role as Wednesday Addams on Wednesday, Jean Smart for Deborah Vance on Hacks, and Kristen Wiig for Maxine Simmons on Palm Royale. Alongside the Actor Award wins, O'Hara had received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work on The Studio.
Peers' Reactions: Jenna Ortega and Kathryn Hahn
During Rogen’s tribute, the camera captured teary-eyed Jenna Ortega, who worked with O'Hara on Tim Burton’s "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, " and Kathryn Hahn was visibly emotional upon hearing O'Hara’s name. Rogen closed his remarks by urging people to share moments that showcased O'Hara’s range—her dancing to Harry Belafonte in Beetlejuice and a bit in Best in Show where she injures her knee and hobbles—saying those moments encapsulate why audiences loved her.
Legacy from SCTV to Beetlejuice
Beyond this night’s awards, O'Hara’s body of work and prior recognition were invoked repeatedly. She previously won Actor Awards in 2021—then known as the SAG Awards—for actress in a comedy series and as part of a comedy series ensemble, both for Schitt's Creek. Industry statements and onstage remarks emphasized that she had been a constant presence in film and television for five decades, beginning with SCTV and appearing later in films such as Beetlejuice.
