Idris Elba - Honorary Doctorate acceptance speech

Thank you so much for having me here today and for choosing me to receive this honorary doctorate. It’s an absolute privilege to have my journey acknowledged. It’s also a pleasure to share this special day with you all.

It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was trying to break into the television and film industry, I was probably a similar age to some of you in this room.

I admire all of you for taking the first step in fulfilling your dreams by completing your studies here at Ravensbourne.

I really love what Ravensbourne is about – empowering students to innovate and change the culture of the industry by equipping them with a set of specialist skills.

Congratulations to every single one of you sat here today on graduating with a degree from Ravensbourne University. I can only imagine that studying throughout the global pandemic posed many unique challenges, and you have all shown remarkable strength and resilience to get through that and come out the other end.

I grew up in East London (Not too far from your campus in North Greenwich), I imagine I had a very similar background to many of you sat here today – I know first-hand that it takes immense strength and determination to get through the tough times and maintain a passion for your innovations, ideas and creative practice. This passion is what will help to springboard you to the next step of your journey. I look forward to potentially working and collaborating with some of you in the near future.

The sector has a growing need for greater diversity, and this is something that needs addressing. When I founded my production company ‘Green Door Pictures’ my main goal was to champion diversity of thought, with the longer-term aim of diversifying British film and television. I have no doubt that all of you sitting here will contribute towards this in some shape or form.

Thanks again, Ravensbourne, it really is an honour to receive this doctorate. I can now call myself Dr Elba