At American Film Institute Ceremony, Jamie Lee Curtis Reflects on Her Career as She Receives Honorary Degree

At the American Film Institute’s commencement ceremony on August 10 at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, Jamie Lee Curtis was honored with an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. The Oscar-winning actress served as the keynote speaker for the event.

Curtis began her speech with a humorous note, saying, “Looking at the paperwork, I’m not meant to be here. I’m the underachiever receiving this incredible accolade.” Her impressive career tells a different story, with her winning an Oscar in 2023 for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and a filmography that spans classics such as “Halloween,” “Freaky Friday,” “Knives Out,” “Trading Places,” “My Girl,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” and “True Lies,” along with TV roles in “Scream Queens” and “Anything But Love.”

“For you graduates, I represent the underachiever who has succeeded,” Curtis continued. “I can now claim the title of artist, which I couldn’t have done at 19 when I was uncertain about my future. My path to acting, much like my parents’, was accidental.”

John Carpenter, who cast Curtis in her film debut as Laurie Strode in “Halloween,” presented her with the award, praising her as a genre icon. “Jamie Lee was and is an instinctive actress,” Carpenter noted, highlighting her impressive lineage and her own undeniable talent.

Curtis recounted her reaction to FX’s “The Bear,” where she immediately identified with a specific scene and knew she wanted to join the show, which earned her an Emmy nomination.

In her closing advice to the MFA graduates, Curtis urged them to “Stay open, stay free, stay engaged, and remain enthusiastic. Don’t become complacent. Fight for what you want and work for it. Save the universe, please. Thank you, and God bless you all.”

Curtis joins a distinguished list of honorary AFI degree recipients, including Michelle Yeoh, Robert Altman, Maya Angelou, and many others. Her weekend was busy with a surprise appearance alongside Lindsay Lohan at the D23 Expo to announce the title of their “Freaky Friday” sequel, “Freakier Friday,” and she will also be honored as a Disney Legend in Anaheim, California.