Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Catherine O'Hara at DGA Awards
Vancouver-born creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg delivered emotional acceptance speeches honoring their lifelong idol Catherine O'Hara during the 78th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The duo received the outstanding directorial achievement in a comedy series trophy for their work on The Studio, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
A Touching Tribute to a Canadian Comedy Legend
During the February 7 awards ceremony, Rogen expressed profound gratitude toward O'Hara, describing her as an inspiration who shaped their creative journeys. "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," said Rogen, who serves as creator, director, actor, and writer for The Studio.
Goldberg echoed these sentiments, revealing their deep Canadian connection to the comedy icon. "We grew up in Canada, and she is and was quite literally our idol since we were children," Goldberg shared during the acceptance speech.
O'Hara's Impact on Their Creative Development
Rogen specifically highlighted O'Hara's role in the classic film Home Alone as a pivotal influence on his career path. "Home Alone, honestly, is the movie that made me want to make movies in a lot of ways," Rogen explained. He recalled how O'Hara's signature line from the film became a memorable moment on their own set, creating a nostalgic connection between their childhood inspiration and their professional collaboration.
The Vancouver native went on to praise O'Hara's unique combination of talent and character. "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," Rogen stated. He emphasized how the team worked diligently to create a show worthy of O'Hara's participation, considering it an honor to direct her throughout the production.
O'Hara's Role in The Studio's Success
Toronto native Catherine O'Hara portrayed former studio executive-turned-producer Patty Leigh in all ten episodes of The Studio's acclaimed first season. Her performance earned a 2025 Emmy nomination for best supporting actress in a comedy series, contributing to the show's remarkable awards season success. The Studio has achieved notable recognition, including a record 13 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, with production currently underway for its second season.
Canadian Connections Throughout the Winning Episode
Rogen and Goldberg earned their DGA award for directing the episode titled The Oner, which features additional Canadian talent. The episode stars award-winning actor, writer, and director Sarah Polley, who plays herself in a storyline about attempting to shoot a scene in one continuous shot during the cinematic "magic hour" just before sunset.
The Directors Guild of America recognition represents another achievement for the Vancouver-based creative team, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to quality comedy while celebrating their Canadian roots and influences throughout their careers.
