The USC School of Cinematic Arts alumni Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, co-founders of Imagine Entertainment and Oscar winners, will speak at the school’s commencement in May, the institution said on Thursday.
Grazer earned his BS in psychology from USC in 1974. He also sits on the board of councillors for the School of Cinematic Arts. The School of Cinematic Arts was where Howard took his classes. In 2022, USC awarded both honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees.
The couple, who collaborated on films like A Beautiful Mind, which won the Best Picture Oscar, Apollo 13, 8 Mile, and 24, are parents. Friday Night Lights, too A list of previous commencement speakers, includes Ryan Coogler and John M. Matt Reeves, Chu, Donna Langley, Ron Mayer, Paul Feig, and more actors from the previous year are included.
The Mary Pickford Alumni Award, which has also been given to Grazer, will be presented to producer-writer-director Tracy Oliver at the ceremony on May 12 at the Shrine Auditorium.
The school’s Peter Stark Producing Program awarded Oliver (girls trip) an MFA in 2010.
Elizabeth M. Daly, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said, “We are happy to have Brian Grazer and Ron Howard to campus to address this year’s graduating class. “Brian and Ron are a distinctive driving force within the industry due to their long-standing cooperation and outstanding achievements. Our students will benefit greatly from their expertise and insight as they get ready to set out on their journey.
Tracy Oliver, he said, “is a fantastic representative of the new generation of Creative creators driving today’s golden age of entertainment media. She is an excellent role model for our students.” We are happy to award Mary this year because she significantly contributes to the growth of our SCA community as a board member.