Denzel Washington to Receive Honorary Degree from Penn

Denzel Washington, internationally renowned actor and director, will deliver the address at the University of Pennsylvania's 255th Commencement on Monday, May 16, Leslie Laird Kruhly, Secretary of the University announced.

Washington is one of our nation's preeminent performing artists, having achieved wide acclaim for his film, theatrical and television performances, as well as his accomplishments in film directing and television production.

"Denzel Washington has used his tremendous talent as an actor to bring the most significant social and historical issues into the limelight - from portraying a South African freedom fighter, a dedicated educator of young minds, and a homophobic lawyer rising to the defense of a gay man to portraying of one America's most passionate civil rights activists, "Penn President Amy Gutmann said. "He is also recognized for his inspiring work in public service, most particularly with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, an organization to which he belonged in his youth and now helps guide by serving as a board member, donor and longtime spokesperson."

Washington has received the most distinguished accolades of his art, including two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, an American Film Institute Award, several NAACP Image Awards, and the Stanley Kramer Award of the Producers Guild of America. He also holds honorary degrees from Fordham University, his alma mater, and Morehouse College. At Commencement, Washington will receive an honorary doctor of arts degree.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos