Jamie Lee Curtis honored with AFI doctorate: A celebration of an unexpected journey

A momentous occasion at the⁢ TCL‍ Chinese Theatre

In a heartwarming ceremony ‍at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Jamie Lee Curtis was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by the American Film Institute (AFI). The event, held on August 10, saw the Oscar-winning actress deliver an inspiring keynote speech⁤ to the graduates of⁤ the AFI Conservatory.

An underachiever’s triumph

“If you look at⁤ the paper, I’m ‍not supposed ⁢to⁤ be here,” Curtis began, reflecting on her journey. “I am the⁤ underachiever who just was awarded this incredible honor.” Despite her modest self-assessment, Curtis’ extensive⁣ filmography tells a different story. From her Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All at Once to iconic performances in Halloween, Freaky Friday, Knives Out, Trading Places, My Girl, A Fish Called Wanda, and True Lies, Curtis has left an indelible mark on both cinema and television. Her TV credits include memorable roles in Scream Queens and Anything But Love.

A legacy of accidental artistry

“I am, for you graduates, the representation of the underachiever who has achieved,” Curtis continued. “I am an ⁢artist, I can say‌ it to you today. I could not tell you⁣ that when I was 19 years old and didn’t know what I‍ was going to do. I can tell you I became an ‍actor by accident. My parents became actors by accident.” Curtis’ candid reflection on her career ‌path resonated deeply with the audience, offering a⁣ powerful ⁢message of perseverance and ‌self-discovery.

John Carpenter’s tribute

The legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, who cast Curtis as Laurie Strode in the 1978 horror classic Halloween, presented her with the honorary degree. “Jamie Lee was and is an instinctive actress,” Carpenter remarked. “She has⁢ quite a pedigree, her parents were famous‌ movie stars [Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis]. And she herself was, and is, ⁤a force of nature.”

A new role in ‘The Bear’

Curtis also shared a personal anecdote about her recent guest star‍ role in FX’s The Bear. “When I first watched the pilot of The Bear, I focused on ⁢one ‍scene in particular: when Carmen (Jeremy Allen White) and Natalie Berzatto (Abby Elliott) talk about⁢ their mother briefly. I,⁤ alone ⁤in my house in Idaho, said ‘Oh! I’m going to‌ play her,'” Curtis revealed. Her intuition proved correct, as‍ she recently earned an Emmy nomination ‌for her performance.

Words of wisdom for the graduates

In her closing remarks, Curtis offered heartfelt advice to the MFA graduates: “Stay open, stay free, stay engaged, stay absolutely enthusiastic. Don’t get lazy. Don’t think you deserve something more than you’re going to get. Fight ⁤for it. Work for it. Save the universe, please. God bless ‌you all, thank you.”

Joining an illustrious group

Curtis now joins a distinguished list of AFI honorary degree recipients, including her⁢ Everything Everywhere All at Once co-star Michelle Yeoh, Robert Altman, Maya ⁢Angelou, Saul Bass,⁤ Angela Bassett, Kathryn Bigelow, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Rita Moreno, Spike Lee, and Jodie Foster.

A weekend⁣ of celebrations

The weekend⁤ was ⁣particularly eventful for Curtis. On Friday night, she and Lindsay Lohan made a surprise ⁤appearance ⁣at the D23 Expo to reveal‍ the⁣ title of their long-awaited Freaky Friday sequel, aptly named Freakier⁣ Friday. On Sunday, Curtis will⁢ return⁣ to Anaheim, California, to be enshrined‍ as a Disney ‍Legend.

Reflecting on a storied career

Curtis’ journey from an “underachiever” to an acclaimed actress and now an honorary doctorate recipient is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her story serves as an ⁣inspiration to aspiring ⁢artists and fans alike, reminding us that success often comes from unexpected places and that perseverance is‍ key.

For those interested in exploring⁣ Curtis’ work, here are some links to trailers and information pages for her notable films and series:

Curtis’ achievements and her heartfelt speech at the AFI Conservatory commencement ceremony will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of filmmakers and actors to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.