David Lynch receives an AFI Honorary Degree from Laura Dern during the AFI Conservatory 2012 Commencement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

David Lynch, the talented director, screenwriter, visual artist, composer/musical artist – and AFI Conservatory alumnus (AFI Class of 1970) – received his honorary degree from Laura Dern (JURASSIC PARK, RECOUNT). Dern has starred in several Lynch films: BLUE VELVET (1986), WILD AT HEART (1990) and INLAND EMPIRE (2006). Dern introduced Lynch by saying, “It is truly my greatest honor to introduce David – my mentor, guru and best friend. I have heard about AFI from David for many years. AFI inspired his vision and gave him the opportunity to make ERASERHEAD. I am forever grateful to AFI for inspiring David, who then gave me my career.” Lynch called Dern his “favorite actress in the world” and added, “AFI put me on the map – Mel Brooks put me on a beautiful mountain. Mel called me Jimmy Stewart from Mars, but he is the crazy one – he picked me to direct THE ELEPHANT MAN. It was my very good fortune that Mel had this insanity.” Lynch then took questions from the graduating class instead of providing a traditional commencement address. When asked how he found his voice, Lynch responded, “Learning by doing is critical in the action and reaction. Learn by doing and your voice will come out – and then stay true to that voice.” Lynch closed by saying to the graduates, “It’s a great big beautiful world and I’m so thrilled that Mel Brooks and Laura Dern and the AFI are part of it. May fate smile on you as well – you have a very interesting face.”

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