Seth Rogen honors late Catherine O’Hara at DGA awards ceremony. [Image Source: CUATOWER]
At the recent Director’s Guild of America (DGA) awards held on February 7 in Los Angeles, Vancouver-born Seth Rogen and his collaborator Evan Goldberg paid heartfelt tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, recognizing her as a central inspiration behind their acclaimed comedy series. The pair received the award for outstanding directorial achievement in a comedy series for their work on their show, The Studio, where O’Hara played a pivotal role.
Remembering O’Hara’s Role on The Studio and Her Legacy
The late Catherine O’Hara, a native of Toronto and a revered figure in comedy, portrayed Patty Leigh, a former studio executive turned producer, in all ten episodes of The Studio’s first season. Her performance earned her a 2025 Emmy nomination for best supporting actress in a comedy series. O’Hara’s unexpected passing on January 30 cast a somber tone over the celebrations but heightened the significance of Rogen and Goldberg’s tribute during their acceptance speeches.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Reflect on O’Hara’s Influence and Talent
During the ceremony, Rogen expressed the depth of their admiration, saying,
“Honestly, there’s no one we wish we could thank in person at this moment more than we would love to thank Catherine O’Hara,”
acknowledging the profound impact she had on their careers. Goldberg added,
“We grew up in Canada, and she is and was quite literally our idol since we were children,”
highlighting O’Hara’s longstanding influence from their youth.
Rogen also recalled the inspiration drawn from O’Hara’s earlier work, particularly her role as Kevin McCallister’s mother in the beloved Home Alone films. He said,
Image of: Seth Rogen
“Home Alone, honestly, is the movie that made me want to make movies in a lot of ways,”
before sharing a lighthearted anecdote,
“And I mean, in that movie she’s always yelling, ‘Kevin, Kevin,’ and on set, she would always be yelling, ‘Evan, Evan!’ And every time she did it, we were like, ‘It’s like Home Alone.’”
Rogen praised O’Hara’s combination of brilliance and warmth, stating,
“And the best part of her is she showed that you can be an utter genius and also the nicest person in the entire world. It was an honour to get to direct her every day and we worked very hard to make the show good enough to warrant her time and her presence.”
He concluded their tribute with the words,
“So, ultimately, we would like to thank the DGA for this, but we would mostly like to thank Catherine O’Hara for being such a wonderful person and for blessing us with your presence.”
About The Award-Winning Episode ‘The Oner’ and Its Canadian Connections
The award-winning episode that earned Rogen and Goldberg the DGA honor was titled The Oner, a nod to a challenging single-shot scene they directed. This episode features Canadian talent beyond O’Hara’s contribution, starring actor and filmmaker Sarah Polley, who portrays herself directing a film. The plot centers on Polley attempting to film an intricate scene in just one take during the “magic hour,” roughly an hour before sunset, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Studio has already gained notable recognition this awards season, securing a record 13 Emmy Awards alongside two Golden Globes. The series continues to build momentum, currently entering production for its second season.
Significance and Future Prospects
The homage paid by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg underscores Catherine O’Hara’s lasting influence on Canadian entertainment and global comedy. Their acknowledgment at one of Hollywood’s most prestigious gatherings not only honors her legacy but also highlights the growing prominence of Canadian talent in major American productions. As The Studio advances into its next season, audiences can anticipate further creative achievements inspired by O’Hara’s work and spirit.
