Professor Jean-François Baillon (left) who read the oration with Richard Dyer (right) wearing the ceremonial épitoge.

Richard Dyer (Emeritus Professor of Film Studies in the Film Studies department at King’s College London) was awarded an honorary degree (Honoris Causa) at the Université Bordeaux Montaigne in France, on Thursday 6 December 2018.

This prestigious distinction was presented in recognition of Richard’s pioneering role in the study of popular culture, in particular Hollywood film stars, and his seminal contribution to cultural and gender studies, with his work on gays and lesbians in the cinema and on the representation of race (notably with his book White), and other areas such as pastiche, music in film and serial killers. The award ceremony was preceded by a three-day international conference in which leading scholars and graduate students celebrated and discussed his work and influence. 

Richard Dyer (second from right) shakes hands at the end of the ceremony with Hélène Velasco-Graciet, President of the Université Bordeaux Montaigne.