Helen Mirren named Woman of the Year by Hasty Pudding Theatricals

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals has presented actress Helen Mirren with its 2014 Woman of the Year Award in Cambridge, Mass.

The prize is the theater troupe's oldest honor, bestowed annually since 1951 on performers who have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment.

This year's event kicked off Thursday with Mirren leading a parade through the streets of Cambridge. Following the parade, Hasty Pudding Theatricals held a celebratory roast for the actress.

Mirren was presented with her pudding pot at Farkas Hall, the Hasty Pudding's historic home in the heart of Harvard Square since 1888.

A news conference followed the presentation and Hasty Pudding cast members later performed several musical numbers from the group's current production "Victorian Secrets."