Golden Globe-winning director gets graduation gong

The director behind the BAFTA Award-winning films Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Reading.

Walter Salles was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony on Wednesday 29 June. He also appeared at a symposium in his honour held later the same week at the University’s Minghella Studios.

Salles became the first Brazilian to win a Golden Globe with Central Station (Central do Brasil) in 1999. Films he has directed or produced have achieved a total of eight Oscar nominations, including a win for Best Original Song for The Motorcycle Diaries in 2004.

Professor Lucia Nagib, Professor of Film at the University of Reading, said: “Not only do Salles’s films represent landmarks in the history of Brazilian Cinema, but Brazil’s history itself can be recounted through them.

“We sincerely hope that this Honorary Degree will help to draw international attention and support to the social causes he defends, and deservedly reward his invaluable cultural and social contribution.”

Salles’ film work centres on issues of national identity and displacement. He has also been awarded for his work in film preservation.

He is also a producer of first features made by young directors from Brazil, such as Karim Ainouz, Sergio Machado, Eryk Rocha and Flavia Castro.