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Sir Lenny Henry receives honorary Oxford University degree

PA Media Lenny Henry outside Sheldonian TheatrePA Media
Sir Lenny wore a ceremonial robe and mortarboard for the ceremony

Sir Lenny Henry has collected an honorary degree from Oxford University.

The actor and comedian wore a ceremonial red and black robe and mortarboard hat for the ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Sir Lenny was among nine recipients to receive the honour, which also included Paris, Texas director Wim Wenders.

Dame Louise Richardson, vice-chancellor, said they had "enlightened us, entertained us and improved the lives of people around the world".

Encaenia is the ceremony at which the university awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women, and commemorates its benefactors.

Last year, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was among those recognised.

Sir Lenny, 63, took time out before the annual event to have tea with staff and students.

PA Media Sir Lenny Henry walks in a procession ahead of receiving an honorary degree from Oxford University at a ceremony at Sheldonian TheatrePA Media
The honorary degrees were given at The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford
PA Media Filmmaker Wim Wenders walks in a procession ahead of receiving an honorary degree from Oxford University at a ceremony at Sheldonian Theatre, OxfordPA Media
German filmmaker Wim Wenders (centre) was also honoured at the event on Wednesday

The other attendees awarded degrees were:

  • British scientist and organic chemist Bernard Taylor
  • Atmospheric scientist Prof Susan Solomon
  • American social scientist Prof Theda Skocpol
  • Ecologist Dr Jane Lubchenco
  • American medievalist Prof William Chester Jordan
  • Telecommunications entrepreneur Dr Mo Ibrahim
  • Surgeon and politician Prof Ara Warkes Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham.

Dame Louise Richardson said they had made "myriad accomplishments" across a "wide range of fields".

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Sir Lenny, who was born in Dudley, in the West Midlands, won the talent competition New Faces in 1975 when he was 16 years old.

He then presented Tiswas, fronted The Lenny Henry Show and co-founded Comic Relief, alongside Richard Curtis in 1985.

Recently he has taken more serious roles on TV, including in Broadchurch, The Syndicate, The Long Song, Danny And The Human Zoo and as a villain in Doctor Who.

Sir Lenny received a knighthood from the Queen at Windsor Castle in 2015 and a Bafta Award for outstanding contribution to television the following year.

He set up The Lenny Henry Centre for Diversity at Birmingham City University, where he is chancellor.

Oxford University Honorary Oxford degrees 2022Oxford University
Nine honorary degrees were awarded in total at Encaenia 2022
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