Viola Davis and Walter Murch were awarded honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees by the American Film Institute at the conservatory’s commencement ceremony. The event took place at the TCL Chinese Theater on Friday morning.
Davis told the graduates 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,” Davis told Variety moments before accepting the honor. “That’s what I want to remind them.”
Davis also talked about the significance of 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.”
Davis and Murch took center stage to accept their accolades and send encouraging messages to the graduating class. “Woman King” director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who cast Davis as General Nanisca and leader of an all-female warrior unit, presented the EGOT winner with the award.
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness that is near being,” Davis began her speech. “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 actor has built her career playing roles that audiences have resonated with. Her extensive portfolio includes “Fences,” “The Help, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Widows,” “G20,” “Air” as well as TV credits in “How To Get Away With Murder” and “The First Lady.”
In her final words to the MFA graduates, Davis told them, “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.”
Murch followed Davis after film cinematographer Caleb Deschanel presented him with his award. Murch has won an Oscar for “Apocalypse Now” and two Oscars for “The English Patient.” He has collaborated with directors Kathryn Bigelow, Sam Mendes and George Lucas.
Murch encouraged the graduates to remain resilient and supportive of each other amid the evolving entertainment industry.
“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.”
Davis and Murch join the list of previous recipients of AFI’s honorary degrees, including Jamie Lee Curtis, David Lynch, Spike Lee, Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett and Nora Ephron.
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