The USC School of Cinematic Arts has lined up a pair of filmmakers to headline its virtual graduation celebration on May 13: Ryan Coogler and James Ivory.
Per an announcement from Dean Elizabeth M. Daley, the two participated in Q&A sessions, excerpts of which will be presented as part of the commencement program. Coogler’s Q&A was moderated by Professor John Watson with Ivory’s moderated by alumnus James Gray. Also as part of the program, Ivory will be presented with the Mary Pickford Alumni Award.
The honor is given to women and men of USC “whose extraordinary achievements bring special distinction to the university and to the industry.” Past recipients include Kevin Feige, Brian Grazer, Jon Landau, Michelle Manning, Shonda Rhimes, Jay Roach, Stacey Sher, John Singleton, Jennifer and Suzanne Todd, Robert Zemeckis, Laura Ziskin and Nahnatchka Khan, among others.
Coogler, class of 2011, graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in production while Ivory, class of 1957, earned his MA in cinema. In addition to the virtual event, the School of Cinematic Arts will host an in-person ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on May 16th.
Said Daley: “Ryan Coogler is one of the most respected and visionary filmmakers in the industry today and to have him share his wisdom and experiences with our graduating class will be very meaningful especially after this challenging year. We are honored to present James Ivory, an iconic director, producer and screenwriter, with the Mary Pickford Alumni Award. His body of work sets him apart for its breadth and diverse themes and no one is more deserving.”
