20250615-sandra-oh-commencement-speech
2025
Sandra Oh's Commencement Speech

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Commencement Speaker Sandra Oh in Conversation with Shonda Rhimes '91 and David Benioff '92

In collaboration with the Office of the President, The Department of Film & Media Studies hosted a special commencement event with a panel of award-winning industry professionals.

  • Commencement Speaker Event 2025

    Photo provided by the Office of the President, Dartmouth College

This past commencement weekend, graduating majors in the Departments of Film & Media Studies, Theater, and Creative Writing were given the opportunity to attend a private panel discussion and Q&A, in-person, with Shonda Rhimes '91, 2025 Commencement Speaker Sandra Oh, and David Benioff '92. The conversation was moderated by Film & Media Studies Department Chair, Professor Roopika Risam.

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Sandra Oh

 (Photo provided by the Office of the President, Dartmouth College)

Guest speakers Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton, among others), Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy, Killing Eve, among others), and David Benioff (Game of Thrones, The Kite Runner, among others) responded to questions submitted by Dartmouth students relating to craft, process, inspiration, and advice for starting out in the filmmaking and televison industries. Shonda Rhimes, a multi-award-winning screenwriter, producer, and showrunner, and CEO of her production company Shondaland, discussed cultivating discipline in your work and writing practice, advising students to "write every day". Actor Sandra Oh, who is leading this summer's production of Twelfth Night with NYC's Shakespeare in the Park, shared her approach to script work and character development, and how to stay creative in your life and career. David Benioff, producer, screenwriter, and novelist, shared his experience adapting works of both fiction and journalism for the screen, where his inspirations come from, and what it's like starting out in L.A. as an aspiring writer. In response to on-the-spot audience questions, the speakers emphasized the importance of gaining experience on a professional film set and how entry-level positions can lead to meaningful career opportunities with commitment and mentorship.

 

This event was made possible thanks to Board of Trustees member, Shonda Rhimes, the Office of the President, and the Department of Film and Media Studies.