Julian Fellowes receives honorary degree
Friday 5 November 2010
Actor, writer, director and producer, Julian Fellowes, has been awarded an honorary degree by Southampton Solent University.
He received his honorary degree of Doctor of Arts for his major contribution to the film industry - both as a highly successful, Oscar-winning screenwriter and as a multi-talented British actor - during a ceremony at the city’s Guildhall on Friday 5 November.
The multi-talented star and Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset won an Oscar in 2002 for Best Original Screenplay with his first script for the cinema – Gosford Park. As an actor he is probably best known for the BBC series, Aristocrats and for his portrayal of the incorrigible Lord Kilwillie in the BBC series, Monarch of the Glen. Julian’s numerous film credits include Shadowlands, Damage, Place Vendôme, Fellow Traveller and Tomorrow Never Dies.
As a television writer, Julian has seen huge success with the likes of Little Lord Fauntleroy – winner of an international EMMY in 1995. And he received a BAFTA nomination in 1997 for The Prince and the Pauper, which he also produced.
Julian received many plaudits for his screenplay of The Young Victoria, released in 2009. He also wrote the shooting draft of the recently filmed The Tourist, starring Johnnie Depp and Angelina Jolie.
His long-awaited television series, Downton Abbey, is currently on our screens.
Julian told the afternoon’s assembled graduates from the Faculty of Media, Arts and Society that that the University offered something unique in higher education – creativity and practicality.
He added: “Working in the creative industries is a dream of a career, but it is not a career for dreamers. It takes hard work, tenacity and determination. It also involves quite a bit of luck. And if luck is being in the right place at the right time, for you being here at Southampton Solent University and graduating today, this is the right place and this is the right time.”
More than 2000 students are graduating with degrees and professional qualifications during 10 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall from 1-5 November.
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