AN OSCAR-NOMINATED director has been recognised by the University of Reading.
Walter Salles, who directed the renowned films Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station, received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony on Wednesday, June 29.
He later attended a symposium in his honour at the university’s Minghella Studios.
Professor of film Lucia Nagib, said: “Not only do Salles’ 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.”
Mr Salles became the first Brazilian to win a Golden Globe with Central do Brasil (Central Station) in 1999.
Four years later, Mr Salles appeared in The Guardian’s 40 Best Directors in the World.
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.
Perhaps his most widely-recognised composition, the movie follows the life of a young Ernesto Guevara, who later became Che Guevara.
Mr Salles’ work centres on issues of national identity and displacement.
He is also a producer of first features made by young Brazilian directors, such as Karim Ainouz, Sergio Machado, Eryk Rocha and Flavia Castro.
