18 Celebrities Who Have Received Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Including Taylor Swift, Céline Dion and More!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Taylor Swift delivers the NYU commencement address at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022; Tom Hanks speaks to the graduating class at Harvard University on May 25, 2023; Mel B receives an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in July 2024.Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty; CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Leeds Beckett University

Dia Dipasupil/Getty; CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Leeds Beckett University

While celebrities often earn accolades likeOscars,GrammysandEmmys, a select few are celebrated with honorary doctorates in recognition of their significant impact on society and their industries.Although these degrees don’t carry any academic standing, they symbolize a tribute to the recipient’s professional and intellectual contributions. And for stars who missed out on the college experience, receiving these honors offers a rare chance to don the cap and gown and walk the graduation stage.FromTaylor SwifttoTom Hanks, here are the well-known figures who accepted this prestigious honor.

While celebrities often earn accolades likeOscars,GrammysandEmmys, a select few are celebrated with honorary doctorates in recognition of their significant impact on society and their industries.

Although these degrees don’t carry any academic standing, they symbolize a tribute to the recipient’s professional and intellectual contributions. And for stars who missed out on the college experience, receiving these honors offers a rare chance to don the cap and gown and walk the graduation stage.

FromTaylor SwifttoTom Hanks, here are the well-known figures who accepted this prestigious honor.

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Mel B

Mel B posing before she receives an honorary doctorate degree from Leeds Beckett University on July 25, 2024.Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University

Ina heartfelt Instagram post, the formerSpice Girlshared her gratitude for the university and the opportunity to further her education, explaining howher own experience of domestic abuseinspired her mission: “[Being a survivor] is all about one thing — helping survivors, breaking the silence and using my voice to help others.”

And of course, true toher Scary Spice roots, she graduated in a custom gown lined with her signature leopard print.

02of 18Jessica ChastainJessica Chastain poses before she receives her honorary doctorate degree from Juilliard on May 23, 2024.jessica chastain/InstagramMore than 20 years after earning her B.F.A., Oscar-winning actressJessica Chastainreturned to her alma mater, The Juilliard School, toaccept an honorary doctoratefor her “outstanding contributions” to film and theater.“Dr. Chastain has a nice ring to it 🎓,” shecaptioned an Instagram Reel. “Thank you @juilliardschool for this honor and for the custom hat 🙃 congrats class of 2024!”

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Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain poses before she receives her honorary doctorate degree from Juilliard on May 23, 2024.jessica chastain/Instagram

jessica chastain/Instagram

More than 20 years after earning her B.F.A., Oscar-winning actressJessica Chastainreturned to her alma mater, The Juilliard School, toaccept an honorary doctoratefor her “outstanding contributions” to film and theater.

“Dr. Chastain has a nice ring to it 🎓,” shecaptioned an Instagram Reel. “Thank you @juilliardschool for this honor and for the custom hat 🙃 congrats class of 2024!”

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Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks gives the commencement address for the 2023 graduating class at Harvard University.Jay Connor/SplashNews.com

Jay Connor/SplashNews.com

“Every day, every year and for every graduating class, there is a choice to be made,” Hanks continued. “It’s the same option for all grown-ups who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: those who embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who won’t or those who are indifferent. Only the first do the work of creating a more perfect union, a nation indivisible. The others get in the way.”

04of 18Taylor SwiftTaylor Swift speaks during a graduation ceremony for New York University at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022.Seth Wenig/AP PhotoTaylor Swiftdoesn’t need to tell you she’s a “Mastermind,” buther honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from NYUsays it all!In May 2022, the Grammy winner accepted the honor anddelivered her first commencement speech, sharing some of her “life hacks” instead of “advice.““Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release,” she told the crowd. “Secondly, learn to live alongside cringe.“Swift also encouraged the graduating classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to trust their instincts, saying: “You will screw it up sometimes. So will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about it on the internet. Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it.”

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift speaks during a graduation ceremony for New York University at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022.Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Taylor Swiftdoesn’t need to tell you she’s a “Mastermind,” buther honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from NYUsays it all!

In May 2022, the Grammy winner accepted the honor anddelivered her first commencement speech, sharing some of her “life hacks” instead of “advice.”

“Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release,” she told the crowd. “Secondly, learn to live alongside cringe.”

Swift also encouraged the graduating classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to trust their instincts, saying: “You will screw it up sometimes. So will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about it on the internet. Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it.”

05of 18Michelle YeohMichelle Yeoh speaks onstage at the AFI Conservatory class of 2022 commencement ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A.David Livingston/GettyA year before clinching her Best Actress Oscar,Everything Everywhere All at OncestarMichelle Yeohreceived an honorary doctorate of fine artsfrom the American Film Institute, whereshe delivered a speechabout the power of failure.Recalling some unsuccessful on-set stunts, Yeoh emphasized how those moments “taught me perseverance, grit and humility.““You see, after I learned how to fall, I could learn how to fly,” she explained. “What I want to share with you today is that our slips and stumbles are the secrets to our flight. Every person who has ever stepped onto this stage has had their fair share of crashes. Trust me, that’s part of the deal. Success without failure is called luck. It cannot really be repeated or relied upon. It is from failure, we learn and grow.”

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Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh speaks onstage at the AFI Conservatory class of 2022 commencement ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A.David Livingston/Getty

A year before clinching her Best Actress Oscar,Everything Everywhere All at OncestarMichelle Yeohreceived an honorary doctorate of fine artsfrom the American Film Institute, whereshe delivered a speechabout the power of failure.

Recalling some unsuccessful on-set stunts, Yeoh emphasized how those moments “taught me perseverance, grit and humility.”

“You see, after I learned how to fall, I could learn how to fly,” she explained. “What I want to share with you today is that our slips and stumbles are the secrets to our flight. Every person who has ever stepped onto this stage has had their fair share of crashes. Trust me, that’s part of the deal. Success without failure is called luck. It cannot really be repeated or relied upon. It is from failure, we learn and grow.”

06of 18Meryl StreepMeryl Streep receives her honorary degree from Marc Goodhart during the 2010 Harvard University graduation ceremony.Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty ImagesMeryl Streepis a recipient of several honorary doctorate degrees, some of which come from variousIvy League schools. She graduated fromYale Universityin 1975, and was later awardedan honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the institutionin 1983.The actress also received honorary doctorate degrees fromDartmouth University in 1981,Princeton University in 2009,Harvard University in 2010andIndiana Universityin 2014.

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Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep receives her honorary degree from Marc Goodhart during the 2010 Harvard University graduation ceremony.Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Meryl Streepis a recipient of several honorary doctorate degrees, some of which come from variousIvy League schools. She graduated fromYale Universityin 1975, and was later awardedan honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the institutionin 1983.

The actress also received honorary doctorate degrees fromDartmouth University in 1981,Princeton University in 2009,Harvard University in 2010andIndiana Universityin 2014.

07of 18Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali acknowledges cheers from graduates at Columbia University in 1999.Kathy Willens/AP/ShutterstockLegendary boxerMuhammad Aliwas awarded honorary doctorate degrees fromMount Ida Collegein 1994,Columbia Universityin 1999 andMuhlenberg Collegein 2009. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree fromPrinceton Universityin 2007.

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Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali acknowledges cheers from graduates at Columbia University in 1999.Kathy Willens/AP/Shutterstock

Legendary boxerMuhammad Aliwas awarded honorary doctorate degrees fromMount Ida Collegein 1994,Columbia Universityin 1999 andMuhlenberg Collegein 2009. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree fromPrinceton Universityin 2007.

08of 18Aretha FranklinAretha Franklin receives an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree at Harvard University’s 263rd commencement on May 29, 2014.Paul Marotta/GettyAretha Franklinreceived numerous honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious schools includingPrinceton University,Yale Universityand theBerklee College of Music.In 2014, Franklin was one of eight honorees atHarvard University’s commencement ceremony where shereceived an honorary Doctor of Artsdegree. She showed off her vocal chops and her piano skills, performing a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin receives an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree at Harvard University’s 263rd commencement on May 29, 2014.Paul Marotta/Getty

Aretha Franklinreceived numerous honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious schools includingPrinceton University,Yale Universityand theBerklee College of Music.

In 2014, Franklin was one of eight honorees atHarvard University’s commencement ceremony where shereceived an honorary Doctor of Artsdegree. She showed off her vocal chops and her piano skills, performing a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

09of 18Denzel WashingtonDenzel Washington holds his honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the University of Pennsylvania commencement on May 16, 2011.Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty ImagesDenzel Washingtonwas awarded an honorary doctorate from theUniversity of Pennsylvaniain 2011, in addition to delivering the institution’s commencement speech.

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Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington holds his honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the University of Pennsylvania commencement on May 16, 2011.Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Denzel Washingtonwas awarded an honorary doctorate from theUniversity of Pennsylvaniain 2011, in addition to delivering the institution’s commencement speech.

10of 18Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey wipes away tears onstage during the University of the Free State commencement in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 24, 2011.Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty ImagesOprah Winfreyis a recipient of multiple honorary doctorate degrees from numerous institutions, including Ivy Leagues and international universities.She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree fromPrinceton Universityin 2002, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree fromDuke Universityin 2009, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree fromHarvard Universityin 2013.The talk show star also received an honorary doctorate degree from theUniversity of the Free Statein South Africa in 2011 for herservices to education in the country.

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Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey wipes away tears onstage during the University of the Free State commencement in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 24, 2011.Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Oprah Winfreyis a recipient of multiple honorary doctorate degrees from numerous institutions, including Ivy Leagues and international universities.

She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree fromPrinceton Universityin 2002, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree fromDuke Universityin 2009, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree fromHarvard Universityin 2013.

The talk show star also received an honorary doctorate degree from theUniversity of the Free Statein South Africa in 2011 for herservices to education in the country.

11of 18Ben AffleckBen Affleck receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during Brown University’s 245th commencement ceremony on May 26, 2013.Mike Cohea/Brown University via Getty ImagesBen Affleckwas awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree fromBrown Universityin 2013.

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Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during Brown University’s 245th commencement ceremony on May 26, 2013.Mike Cohea/Brown University via Getty Images

Ben Affleckwas awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree fromBrown Universityin 2013.

12of 18Kerry WashingtonKerry Washington (center) receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the George Washington University commencement on May 19, 2013.Kris Connor/Getty ImagesLong before starring on ABC’s political dramaScandal,Kerry Washingtonwas in Washington, D.C., for school. She is a 1998graduate of George Washington University, and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the school in 2013.

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Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington (center) receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the George Washington University commencement on May 19, 2013.Kris Connor/Getty Images

Long before starring on ABC’s political dramaScandal,Kerry Washingtonwas in Washington, D.C., for school. She is a 1998graduate of George Washington University, and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the school in 2013.

13of 18Ed SheeranEd Sheeran speaks onstage during University Campus Suffolk’s graduation ceremony in 2015.PA Images/SipaEd Sheeranaccepted an honorary doctorate degreefor his “outstanding contribution to music” from the University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich, England, in 2015. He accepted the degree in person, where he sported a colorful gown and traditional cap — paired with Converse shoes and a flash of his tattoos.The singer, who left school at 16 to pursue his music career,shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “I graduated today, I am now officially Dr. Sheeran.”

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Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran speaks onstage during University Campus Suffolk’s graduation ceremony in 2015.PA Images/Sipa

Ed Sheeranaccepted an honorary doctorate degreefor his “outstanding contribution to music” from the University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich, England, in 2015. He accepted the degree in person, where he sported a colorful gown and traditional cap — paired with Converse shoes and a flash of his tattoos.

The singer, who left school at 16 to pursue his music career,shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “I graduated today, I am now officially Dr. Sheeran.”

14of 18Hillary ClintonHillary Clinton attends the annual Encaenia ceremony at Oxford University on Sept. 22, 2021.TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty ImagesHillary Clintonreceived her honorary Doctor of Civil Law degreefrom theUniversity of Oxfordin 2021, where her husband, former presidentBill Clinton, previously attended as a Rhodes Scholar in the late ’60s.

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Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton attends the annual Encaenia ceremony at Oxford University on Sept. 22, 2021.TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images

Hillary Clintonreceived her honorary Doctor of Civil Law degreefrom theUniversity of Oxfordin 2021, where her husband, former presidentBill Clinton, previously attended as a Rhodes Scholar in the late ’60s.

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Jennifer Garner

Mark Evans (left) puts an academic hood on Jennifer Garner while onstage during the 2019 Dennison University graduation ceremony.Jennifer Garner/Instagram

The actress, who was a graduate of Denison’s class of 1994, also delivered the school’scommencement speech.

16of 18Lionel RichieLionel Richie receives an honorary Doctor of Music degree at the Berklee College of Music commencement in Boston on May 13, 2017.Paul Marotta/GettyLionel Richiereceived an honoraryDoctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Musicin 2017, in addition to jamming with the students on stage during the institution’s annual commencement concert.“For his contributions to contemporary culture, his humanitarian efforts and the joy his music brings to so many, it is my pleasure to present Berklee’s honorary doctorate of music to Lionel Richie,” Berklee President Roger H. Brown said in his introduction for the singer-songwriter.

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie receives an honorary Doctor of Music degree at the Berklee College of Music commencement in Boston on May 13, 2017.Paul Marotta/Getty

Lionel Richiereceived an honoraryDoctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Musicin 2017, in addition to jamming with the students on stage during the institution’s annual commencement concert.

“For his contributions to contemporary culture, his humanitarian efforts and the joy his music brings to so many, it is my pleasure to present Berklee’s honorary doctorate of music to Lionel Richie,” Berklee President Roger H. Brown said in his introduction for the singer-songwriter.

17of 18Justin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake attends the Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony on May 11, 2019.Paul Marotta/GettyJustin Timberlakewas given an honorary Doctor of Music degreefromBerklee College of Musicin 2019. In addition to thanking his wife,Jessica Biel, in his speech, he shared his appreciation of the honor on Instagram.“No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me… I’m a DOCTOR!! 🤣👨‍🎓 But, for real… THANK YOU to @berkleecollege for this incredible honor—I’m very humbled and grateful,” he captioned the post.

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Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake attends the Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony on May 11, 2019.Paul Marotta/Getty

Justin Timberlakewas given an honorary Doctor of Music degreefromBerklee College of Musicin 2019. In addition to thanking his wife,Jessica Biel, in his speech, he shared his appreciation of the honor on Instagram.

“No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me… I’m a DOCTOR!! 🤣👨‍🎓 But, for real… THANK YOU to @berkleecollege for this incredible honor—I’m very humbled and grateful,” he captioned the post.

18of 18Céline DionCéline Dion receives an honorary degree from Laval University chancellor Denis Brière during a ceremony in Quebec City on Aug. 21, 2008.Jean-Philippe DUMAS/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesCéline Dionreceived her first honorary Doctor in Music degree fromLaval Universityin Quebec, Canada, in 2008.The singer wasawarded an honorary Doctor of Music degreefromBerklee College of Musicin May 2021, alongsidePharrell Williamsand Chad Hugo of The Neptunes.

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Céline Dion

Céline Dion receives an honorary degree from Laval University chancellor Denis Brière during a ceremony in Quebec City on Aug. 21, 2008.Jean-Philippe DUMAS/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Céline Dionreceived her first honorary Doctor in Music degree fromLaval Universityin Quebec, Canada, in 2008.

The singer wasawarded an honorary Doctor of Music degreefromBerklee College of Musicin May 2021, alongsidePharrell Williamsand Chad Hugo of The Neptunes.

source: people.com