WINSTON-SALEM -- School of Filmmaking faculty member and award-winning writer, director, actor, producer and film historian Peter Bogdanovich gave college graduates of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) advice from some of the Silver Screen's legends.

Frequently breaking into impersonations, Bogdanovich peppered his speech with personal stories. From Alfred Hitchcock, he learned not to take a second drink if it's offered. From John Ford, he learned to say "it's terrific" if asked for his opinion. From Cary Grant, he learned that "nobody loves a lover."

But perhaps his greatest advice came from Jimmy Stewart, who tried to describe what makes movies "so memorable and so intoxicating."

"What you're doing is giving people little tiny pieces of time that they never forget," Bogdanovich said in a near-perfect Stewart characterization. "That goes for what you're doing."

Bogdanovich, who joined the UNCSA faculty this past spring, also received an honorary doctorate at the ceremony, which was held May 29 at UNCSA's Stevens Center in downtown Winston-Salem. "This is a great institution and I'm proud to be a part of it," he said.

To see his complete commencement address, download here. (Right click and click on "Save As.")

Bogdanovich is best known as the director of THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, for which he received two Academy Award nominations, as well as portraying Lorraine Bracco's psychiatrist in HBO's "The Sopranos."

He began his career as an actor, studying acting with Stella Adler and appearing on television and in regional theatre.  His first work as a filmmaker was as Roger Corman's assistant on THE WILD ANGELS (1966). Corman then financed his first film as a director, TARGETS (1968), leading to a string of hits including THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971), WHAT'S UP, DOC? (1972), PAPER MOON (1973), DAISY MILLER (1974), and MASK (1975).

Beyond directing feature films, Bogdanovich is also a celebrated documentary filmmaker and film historian.  In 2006, he revised his 1971 documentary, DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD, to include interviews with Ford fans Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. In 2007, he directed the highly-praised four-hour documentary RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM: TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, and won a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video.  He has also written more than a dozen books about films and filmmaking, some featuring his own experiences in the industry.

One-hundred and eighty-seven college students graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts on May 29.

Also at the ceremony, UNCSA School of Dance faculty member Sean Sullivan received the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.

Scenes from the day follow.

Chancellor John Mauceri presents Peter Bogdanovich with his honorary doctorate.

College commencement speaker Peter Bogdanovich delivers his address.

UP's Carl Fredrickson (as portrayed by University Dean Rick Miller) floats to the stage with the day's degrees and diplomas.

School of Design & Production Dean Joe Tilford receives a lei from each of his graduating students as they receive their degrees.

Drama graduates don red noses to accept their degrees.

Rosemary Harris quotes dance legend Martha Graham in her send-off.

                                                                                                                      Photos by Allen Aycock