Harvard University awarded Tom Hanks an honorary Doctorate of Arts

A slow-witted young man, an astronaut, an army captain, a highly intelligent, a puppet voice, Mr. “Geppetto” the carpenter, the maker of Pinocchio, and finally a nervous old man who helps his neighbors. These are some of the most famous roles played by world star Tom Hanks, winner of two Oscars, who added yesterday Thursday, a new title for his list of culminations by obtaining an honorary doctorate in arts from Harvard University.

After Hanks played the role of fictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon in 3 films based on Dan Brown’s novels, they are “The Da Vinci Code” in 2006, “Angels & Demons” in 2009, and “Inferno” ) In 2016, here is the star entering the world of Harvard affiliates again, but on the ground this time, to obtain an honorary doctorate.

And Harvard University announced last March the selection of Hanks as an official speaker at the 2023 graduation ceremony, and University President Lawrence Bacco expressed his admiration for Hanks not only on the technical level, but also personally, and said that the American star “made many contributions to the development and support of national culture, In addition to his contributions to documenting history and true stories or presenting rich and inspiring plots during his distinguished and long dramatic career.

#Harvard23 Commencement Speaker Tom Hanks 🎓 pic.twitter.com/rEM8pSIDsi

— Harvard University (@Harvard) May 25, 2023

Between seriousness and humor

During his graduation speech, Hanks grabbed the audience’s attention with his sense of humor, and said, “I know it’s not fair, but please don’t feel bitter that I’m here now without doing a little work, or spending any time in class, or entering once into the library to be I have nothing to do with Harvard University either with its faculty or its distinguished alumni.”

During the serious part of his speech, he spoke with great influence and power. He brought up the choice that graduates, as well as all adults, have to make. There are three types of Americans: those who embrace freedom, those who reject it, and those who are indifferent. Only those who choose the first type will make a real difference and come up with new ideas to improve our nation. The other two groups just hinder progress. The responsibility to choose wisely falls on you.

Tom Hanks and Wes Anderson together for the first time.

Before this event, Hanks was last seen in public on the red carpet of the Cannes International Film Festival a few days ago. At the event, he was seen shouting at a festival employee due to the excitement caused by his wife, Rita Wilson’s presence. However, the situation was professionally resolved and both stars were able to smile for the audience and cameras.

Hanks has recently worked on a movie called “Asteroid City” that will be released worldwide in June. The movie features a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, Bryan Cranston, Margot Robbie, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, William Dafoe, Steve Carell, among others.

Wes Anderson wrote and directed the work, which is set in a fictional American desert city in 1955. The story follows a group of students and parents who plan to attend a space conference, but unforeseen events that affect the world alter their plans. The narrative combines drama, suspense, and romance.