Jamie Lee Curtis Honoured with AFI Honorary Doctorate
Veteran actress Jamie Lee Curtis has been bestowed with an honorary doctorate from the American Film Institute, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.
The renowned drama school awarded Curtis the prestigious honour at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, 10 August. The 65-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in films like *Halloween
and *Freaky Friday*, received the doctorate for her sustained excellence in the film industry.
"A moment like this demands the respect for the institution and the longevity of my life as an artist â and that I claim," Curtis shared with PEOPLE magazine at the ceremony, held at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre in California. "You're going to get me crying," she continued, "but that I claim the word 'artist' at my age now. I didn't before."
Curtis's journey in film began with her breakout role in *Halloween*, directed by John Carpenter, who presented her with the honorary degree at the ceremony. After decades of dedication to the craft, Curtis now identifies as "an artist with a capital 'A'", a title she previously hesitated to embrace.
Discussing the significance of the honorary degree in light of her family heritage, which includes film stars Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, she acknowledged the "nepo baby" label often attached to her success. "Nepo babies is an easy way for people to tell you you don't deserve your success," she admitted, "and I have been aware of that my whole life." Despite the societal perceptions, Curtis maintained that she has "not shied away from it", acknowledging the influence of her family's legacy while emphasizing that it ultimately played no role in her on-screen performances. "At the end of the day, none of that helps you when they say rolling and action. It's at that moment that the art takes over," she asserted.
Curtis, who considers herself "a creative person", "an ideas girl" and a "marketing whiz", has left her mark on the industry through a diverse range of projects, from children's books and screenplays to directing and producing. She believes that her artistic contributions have surpassed the legacy she inherited from her family.
"I'm in a place of great historical significance and my daughter is here with me," she said. "The legacy is that I'm a mother and a friend and a collaborator. And so I think all of that, of course, has an impact, but it is less acute."
Curtis further emphasized that her artistic journey is ongoing and will continue until she can no longer work. "I have no f------ time to waste because I'll be dead soon," she candidly stated. "I'm [65]. My mother died at 76, my father at 85. I have no f------ time to waste."
The honorary doctorate, she believes, signifies "the solidity of my being and my mind". With her unwavering drive and determination, Curtis continues to make her mark on the film industry, proving that age is merely a number in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The American Film Institute, in awarding Curtis this prestigious honour, acknowledged her "contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image," according to a press release. AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale lauded Curtis as a "supernova born from the union of two stars â an icon whose fearless approach to her craft and dauntless dedication to driving culture forward define excellence in our modern day."
Curtis's recent accolades include an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2023 for her role in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*. She will be reprising her role as Tess Coleman in the upcoming sequel to the 2003 hit *Freaky Friday*, alongside Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman. The film, set for release next year, will see the mother-daughter duo switch bodies with two teenage girls. Curtis is also set to appear as Dr. Patricia Tannis in the recently released *Borderlands
film, based on the popular video game series.
Jamie Lee Curtis, a true force in the film industry, continues to inspire and enthrall audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as a cinematic legend.
