Jamie Lee Curtis Receives Honorary Degree From American Film Institute: ‘I Am the Representation of the Underachiever Who Has Achieved’

As an ardent admirer of the arts, I find myself continually astounded by the captivating journey of Jamie Lee Curtis. Her story, much like the intricate plots she has brought to life on the silver screen, is a testament to resilience, versatility, and sheer talent.

At the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on August 10th, Jamie Lee Curtis received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the American Film Institute during their graduation ceremony. As the main speaker for this occasion, the Oscar-winning actress was in the spotlight.

“As I started speaking, Curtis mentioned that she wasn’t expected to be present, but surprisingly, she had been given a remarkable accolade despite her past of underachievement.”

Contrary to popular belief, Curtis’ resume tells a different story: the actress, who took home an Oscar in 2023 for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” boasts a diverse filmography that spans across various genres. This includes the “Halloween” series, “Freaky Friday,” “Knives Out,” “Trading Places,” “My Girl,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” and “True Lies.” Her small-screen appearances include “Scream Queens” and “Anything But Love.”

“As a graduate, I stand before you as the embodiment of the individual who surpassed expectations, despite early underachievements,” I shared. “Today, I proudly identify myself as an artist, a title that once seemed elusive to me at 19 years old, unsure of my path. Remarkably, I stumbled into acting, and so did my parents.”

At Halloween’s film premiere, its director John Carpenter (known for creating Halloween), who initially cast Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in the iconic horror movie and launched her acting career, bestowed an award upon her. He acknowledged that she naturally ascended to become a queen within the horror genre.

In a statement about Jamie Lee Curtis’ acting in the 1978 film, Carpenter expressed that she naturally excels as an actress. He noted her impressive background, being the daughter of well-known movie stars Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis. Furthermore, he described her as a powerful and dynamic individual, both then and now.

Initially, upon viewing the debut episode of “The Bear” on FX, Curtis mentioned that a specific scene caught her attention: the conversation between characters Carmen (played by Jeremy Allen White) and Natalie Berzatto (portrayed by Abby Elliott), when they discussed their mother in passing.

“From the comfort of my humble abode nestled in Idaho, I declared, ‘I’ll bring this character to life,’ as I prepared to step into my guest role in the acclaimed series – a performance that has since garnered an Emmy nod.”

In her closing remarks to the MFA graduates, Curtis encouraged them to: “Maintain an open mind, remain unfettered, keep participating, and stay utterly passionate. Avoid complacency. Never believe you’re entitled to more than you’ll receive. Instead, strive for it, work tirelessly for it. Save the universe if you can. I wish you all the best, thank you.”

The actor is now in the company of Michelle Yeoh from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” along with other esteemed figures such as Robert Altman, Maya Angelou, Saul Bass, Angela Bassett, Kathryn Bigelow, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Rita Moreno, Spike Lee, Jodie Foster, and others who have been bestowed honorary degrees by the American Film Institute.

As a die-hard Disney fan who grew up watching “Freaky Friday” multiple times, I can hardly contain my excitement for this upcoming weekend! On Friday night, I’ll be sharing the same space as Lindsay Lohan (gasp!) at the D23 Expo to unveil the title of the long-awaited sequel – “Freakier Friday.” I can’t even begin to imagine the magic that will unfold.

2024-08-11 02:46

Jamie Lee Curtis Receives Honorary Degree From American Film Institute: ‘I Am the Representation of the Underachiever Who Has Achieved’

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