Cynthia Erivo honored as 2025 Woman of the Year by Hasty Pudding Theatricals

admin 2025年1月31日

©Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

exemplify /ig-ZEM-pluh-fahy/

[verb] – to be a typical example of something or show something very clearly
Her dedication to teaching exemplifies the qualities of a great educator.

illustrious /ih-LUHS-tree-uhs/

[adjective] – famous, well-respected, and admired for past achievements
The scientist’s illustrious career included groundbreaking research in environmental science.

accolade /AK-uh-leyd/

[noun] – praise and approval; an award for an achievement
Winning the award was the highest accolade of his career.

versatility /vur-suh-TIL-i-tee/

[noun] – the ability to adapt or be used for many different things
His versatility as a musician allows him to play multiple instruments.

prestigious /pre-STIJ-uhs/

[adjective] – very much respected and admired, usually because of being important or of high quality.
The university is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Cynthia Erivo was named the 2025 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals, one of the world’s oldest theater groups, established in 1844. The announcement was made on January 23, and the award ceremony is scheduled for February 5, followed by a performance of the group’s 176th production, 101 Damnations. Erivo, a celebrated British entertainer, is known for her achievements in theater, television, and film. The Man of the Year award for 2025 will be presented to actor Jon Hamm on January 31. The awards recognize excellence in the performing arts and highlight contributions to the entertainment industry. Organizers have emphasized the significance of honoring individuals whose work exemplifies creativity, excellence, and cultural impact.

Erivo’s illustrious career includes a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. This achievement was complemented by an Emmy Award for her live performance on a television program and a Grammy Award for the soundtrack of the same production. Recent accomplishments include starring in and producing Drift, a film about a Liberian refugee, and earning an Emmy nomination for portraying Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha. These accolades underscore her versatility and artistic influence. The theater group expressed admiration for Erivo’s enduring contributions to the arts and announced plans to celebrate her achievements with humor and enthusiasm during the ceremony. Past recipients of the Woman of the Year award include Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, reflecting the event’s prestigious history. The Hasty Pudding Awards continue to serve as a testament to artistic brilliance and cultural enrichment.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever attended an award ceremony or performance? If so, what was the experience like? If not, would you like to? Why or why not?
Have you ever met or seen someone who achieved great success in arts or entertainment? If so, how did it inspire you? If not, who would you like to meet?
Do you agree that achievements in the performing arts should be celebrated as much as achievements in science or technology?
How do you think diversity and inclusion can be improved in recognizing talents in entertainment?
What are the challenges of maintaining a prestigious reputation over time, like the Hasty Pudding Awards?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

theater
entertainer
emphasize
soundtrack
enthusiasm