Celebrating Artistic Excellence and Empowering Future Generations

A Landmark Conversation and Prestigious Recognition

On May 5th, the esteemed Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner will engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Stacy L. Smith, the visionary founder of USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. During this event, Erivo will be bestowed with the first-ever Icon Award, a testament to her remarkable contributions and influence in the entertainment industry.

Launching Educational Opportunities for Aspiring Artists

In a significant move to nurture emerging talent, Cynthia Erivo will unveil two distinct scholarship funds. The first, an eponymous scholarship, will support students at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Concurrently, the Cynthia Erivo Film Bursary will be established at the University of Oxford, dedicated to assisting students pursuing studies in drama, theater, film, and various other facets of entertainment. These scholarships are generously backed by Jason and Yvonne Lee, the USC School of Dramatic Arts, and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, with the first recipients to be selected for the fall-autumn 2026 academic terms.

A Visionary's Impact: Dr. Stacy L. Smith's Endorsement

Dr. Smith expressed profound admiration for Erivo, highlighting her as a pivotal figure whose work, advocacy, and ethical principles are profoundly relevant and indispensable to the contemporary entertainment landscape. Dr. Smith further commended Erivo's unwavering dedication to mentoring and supporting the forthcoming generation of filmmakers, emphasizing her extraordinary vision and unparalleled talent.

The "In Conversation with Cynthia Erivo" Event at Oxford

The highly anticipated event, titled "In Conversation with Cynthia Erivo," is scheduled to take place at the recently inaugurated Sohmen Concert Hall within the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. This state-of-the-art facility, nestled in Oxford's Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, serves as a vibrant hub for the arts and humanities. Josie Bamford, the executive producer, noted that the discussion forms a core part of the Schwarzman Centre's cultural agenda, which aims to bring together leading artists, performers, academics, and the public for enriching and diverse dialogues.

Fostering Inclusivity and Artistic Pursuit

Bamford further emphasized that the dialogue between Cynthia Erivo and Stacy Smith on storytelling and entertainment perfectly embodies the center's mission. She expressed particular excitement that Oxford students will have the invaluable opportunity to interact with an artist of Erivo's caliber and to apply for the new Film Bursary. This initiative is designed to empower young individuals from all backgrounds to engage with and pursue careers in the arts, opening doors to opportunities within the creative industries.

Ticket Information for the Public

Tickets for this captivating conversation will be made available to Schwarzman Centre Members starting April 6th at 10 a.m. local time. The general public will have the opportunity to purchase tickets from April 13th onward, with sales conducted exclusively through the center's official website.