Claire Danes named Hasty Pudding's 2012 Woman of the Year

CAMBRIDGE (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Actress Claire Danes was honored at Harvard University on Thursday as Hasty Pudding’s 2012 Woman of the Year.

Danes was selected by Hasty Pudding Theatricals of Harvard University because her career which spans decades has made an indelible mark on the world of entertainment in both drama and comedy. The accomplished actress has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions, including Broadway shows.

Danes currently stars on the Showtime series "Homeland," for which she recently received the 2012 Golden Globe Award, her third Globe win.

Danes first caught critics' and audiences' attention in "My So Called Life" which earned her an Emmy Nomination as well as a Golden Globe.

The Woman of the Year festivities kicked off with a parade through the streets of Cambridge. The procession was followed by the presentation of the award at Farkas Hall, the Hasty Pudding’s historic home in the heart of Harvard Square since 1889.

Afterward, Hasty Pudding cast members performed several musical numbers from the group's 164th production, "There Will Be Flood."

Actor Jason Segel was named Hasty Pudding’s 2012 Man of the Year and will be honored on Feb. 3.