Miky Lee, the vice chair of Korean media giant CJ, has been announced as the commencement speaker for the USC School of Cinematic Arts 2024 graduation ceremony. Known for her pioneering work in the Korean movie industry, Lee has championed directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho, with executive producer credits on acclaimed films such as “Parasite,” which made history as the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
The graduation ceremony is set to take place on May 10 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where Lee will share her insights and expertise with the graduating students. Dean Elizabeth M. Daley expressed her excitement about having Lee as the commencement speaker, highlighting her role as a global filmmaking ambassador.
In addition to Lee’s address, veteran Hollywood director and SCA alum James Gray will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the ceremony. Gray, who graduated from the school in 1991, is known for his work on films like “The Immigrant” and “Two Lovers,” drawing inspiration from his own childhood in Queens, New York.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has a history of hosting esteemed commencement speakers, including industry figures like Ron Howard, Ryan Coogler, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Founded in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929, the school is recognized as a leading media institution worldwide.