Graduation ceremonies have been halted amid the coronavirus pandemic. And while many graduates will likely be disappointed about having their graduations moved online, there might be one silver lining.
Rather than let the momentous occasion go unnoticed, celebrities have been joining forces to ensure that graduates hear inspirational commencement speeches to help launch the next steps of their professional lives.
Join us as we round up the best celebrity commencement speeches of 2020, all of which you can watch or read from the comfort of your own home.
Oprah Winfrey
As part of Facebook's #Graduation2020 event, Oprah addressed the class of 2020 and said, "But even though there may not be pomp because of our circumstances, never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, and energy and hope."
Matthew McConaughey
The Oscar-winning actor appeared on Good Morning America to deliver a rousing commencement speech to graduates. During part of his speech, McConaughey said, "Act today in ways that you will respect tomorrow. From how you treat yourself to how you treat others in real life and online. And what I mean by online, just remember those comments you leave online, those thumbs-up or thumbs-down, they will outlive you. They are part of your resume of who you are."
Tom Hanks
Earlier this month, Hanks delivered a powerful speech to Ohio's Wright State University, which opened the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures in 2016. The Toy Story actor said, "You started in the olden times, in a world back before the Great Pandemic of 2020. You will talk of those earlier years in your lives in just that way."
Ashton Kutcher
The A Lot Like Love actor addressed University of Iowa Honors graduates with an online address this week.
Barack Obama
Per The New York Times, "Former President Barack Obama is set to give separate virtual commencement speeches to graduating college and high school seniors on Saturday in his first public addresses to a national audience during the coronavirus pandemic."
Miley Cyrus
Not a commencement speech, but Cyrus appeared during Facebook's virtual graduation and sang "The Climb" for graduates everywhere.
Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Lana Condor, and many more
So many celebrities, including Hugh Jackman, Ashley Graham, John Mayer, Jennifer Garner, Emily Ratajkowski, and Amy Schumer took part in Facebook and Instagram's #Graduation2020 event, and you can watch the highlights now.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
