American Film Institute awards an honorary doctorate to Viola Davis at its conservatory commencement ceremony

The American Film Institute is honoring Viola Davis!

The How to Get Away With Murder actress was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree at the Institute’s conservatory commencement ceremony on Friday morning, alongside Walter Murch. The event was held at the TCL Chinese Theater.

Variety has reported that while addressing the graduates, Viola Davis said that “they already have their ruby slippers.”

“You have to know that you have the power within you to make it, whatever that making it means,” she told the outlet shortly after accepting the honor. “That’s what I want to remind them.”

While speaking with Variety, Viola Davis also reflected on the importance of the AFI recognizing her contributions to the film and TV industry.

“It’s always especially potent when it’s given by your peers,” she said. “I consider everyone that is in this profession - no matter how long they’ve been in it, known, unknown, faceless - my peers. They know the work. They know the artistry. It makes me feel capable. It makes me feel like my career and path have meant something to someone. It’s meant that I’ve created somewhat of a legacy.”

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Read Viola Davis' whole acceptance speech below:

Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for directing The Woman King and having cast Viola Davis as General Nanisca, the leader of a women-only warrior troop, presented the actress with her accolade. As for Murch, he was introduced by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel.

The official American Film Institute website has reported that there were 143 filmmakers graduating at the time, and in her address, Viola Davis said to them:

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness that is near being. The gift is that person who runs into the movie theater with the Sour Patch Kids, popcorn and the Diet Coke, and they’re willing to not escape."

"They’re willing to bring their loneliness, angst, shame of not feeling worthy, anxiety, depression, awkwardness and mess. And the curtains open. The movie plays, and they’re reminded that they’re not alone.”

She continued,

“The purpose of the art is the same thing as the purpose of the artist. You are creating stories so people do not feel alone. That they not only feel a connection with other people, but with themselves. And they know that as the story transpires, they can say that beautiful phrase, ‘Oh, it’s not just me.’”

The EGOT winner and Triple Crown of Acting holder has a plethora of credits to her name, including The First Lady, G20, Air, Widows, Fences, and more. She concluded her speech, saying,

“You have the power to come home to that one thing that made you want to do this. To be healers, alchemists, buck the system, and see life just a little bit differently. Therefore, you don’t just leave something for people. You leave something in them because your purpose is not what you do, it’s what happens to people when you do what you do.”

Viola Davis, who has been active in the industry since 1988, now joins an esteemed group of past recipients such as Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jodie Foster, James Earl Jones, Quentin Tarantino, and Michelle Yeoh, among others.

As for Murch, he followed suit by accepting the honor, and during his address, called on all graduates to remain steadfast and stand by each other as the entertainment industry continues to evolve and change:

“We’re right on the cusp of another one of those transformations, which is artificial intelligence,” he said. “And choosing this year to graduate in 2025 takes guts. Your guts are going to be tested as soon as you leave this theater. There’s a storm brewing out there, politically, environmentally, cinematically and every other kind of mentality you can think of. I salute your bravery.”

He continued,

“I wish you all the fortitude, perseverance and good graces that you will need as you embark on your voyages. You’ve made friends and allies during your time here at the AFI. Stay close. You will need each other in the years to come.”

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