British actress Dame Helen Mirren has been named woman of the year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatrical.

The Academy-Award winning actress as won the annual award from America's oldest theatre group, an undergraduate drama society, which dates back to the late 18th century.

Mirren will be prized with the honour at a ceremony on January 30th at Farkas Hallon, which is on campus in Cambridge, near Boston.

A recipient is awarded for their contributions to the entertainment industry and to have "garnered international critical acclaim."

"How very saucy of the Hasty Pudding organisation to offer me their award," Mirren said in a statement released on Friday (Jan 17th), according to the Associated Press.

"As someone who adores pudding in all its manifestations ... suet, Christmas, treacle, bread and butter, Yorkshire, plum, figgy, etc., etc., I am so looking forward to the famous Hasty Pudding."

The 68 year-old has been nominated for 'Best Actress' twice at the Oscars, winning one in 2007 for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen.'

Mirren has also been nominated for two 'Best Supporting Actress' Academy-Awards for her roles in 'The Madness of King George' and 'Gosford Park'.

On the day of Helen receiving this award, there will be a parade and a roast all in her honor, and a press conference is scheduled to take place after the presentation.

Previous winners of this coveted award are Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts, plus many more.

The Man of the Year will be announced later this month.

Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren will receive the award on Jan 30th