These are the 10 most uplifting commencement messages celebrities and icons from Oprah Winfrey to Tom Hanks gave the class of 2020

Darcy SchildMay 16, 2020, 22:02 IST

In separate speeches, Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey both referred to the class of 2020 as the "chosen" class of graduates.Wright State University/YouTube; Facebook

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's graduating class of 2020 missed out on traditional milestones like prom and physical graduations.
They also face a grim economy, with many of them losing jobs and internships as well as summer plans.
To uplift and instill hope in this year's graduates, speakers like Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks have shared motivating messages for remote commencement events.
Actors and entertainment icons like Cardi B, Matthew McConaughey, and Awkwafina also offered advice for soon-to-be graduates along with inspirational leaders like educational activist Malala Yousafzai, and US Olympic athlete Simone Biles.
Keep reading for a selection of messages from leaders and stars for this year's graduates.
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"Listen to Oprah," said Hugh Jackman in a video for the class of 2020.

Hugh Jackman shared sage advice for graduates. Facebook/Hugh Jackman

"Keep the faith, keep on moving, keep climbing," Miley Cyrus said, referencing her famous song "The Climb" in her address to the graduating class.

Miley Cyrus addressed the graduating class. Facebook

"Keep on trucking," said actress Awkwafina, who joked that her other piece of advice was to never microwave metal — "not even a tiny spoon."

Awkwafina addressed the class of 2020 with a humorous speech. Facebook

Sterling K. Brown said that he hopes graduates will "look back on this event with the clarity of 20/20 vision and recognize it as a beautiful beginning."

Sterling K. Brown gave a powerful message to the class of 2020. Facebook

"Live in a way now where you can look back later and say 'I think I handled that pretty well,'" Matthew McConaughey said in his address to the class of 2020.

Matthew McConaughey told graduates to embrace being original. Facebook

"It's more than a diploma," Cardi B told graduates. "It's knowledge, it's knowing that you did it."

Cardi B shared advice for recent graduates. Facebook

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles said to this year's graduates: "You've already won."

Gymnast Simone Biles offered words of wisdom to graduates. Facebook

Education activist Malala Yousafzai, who's graduating from Oxford University, shared words of wisdom to fellow graduates.

Malala Yousafzai addressed her fellow graduates. Facebook

In a recent commencement speech, Tom Hanks also called this year's graduates "chosen ones."

The actor addressed Wright State University graduates in a touching video. Wright State University/YouTube

"I know you may not feel like it, but you are, indeed, the chosen class for such a time as this," Oprah Winfrey said in a moving speech shared on Facebook and Instagram.

Oprah Winfrey's speech was broadcast on Facebook and Instagram on May 15. Facebook/Instagram

"I know you may not feel like it, but you are, indeed, the chosen class for such a time as this," Oprah Winfrey said in a moving speech shared on Facebook and Instagram.

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These are the 10 most uplifting commencement messages celebrities and icons from Oprah Winfrey to Tom Hanks gave the class of 2020

"Listen to Oprah," said Hugh Jackman in a video for the class of 2020.

"Keep the faith, keep on moving, keep climbing," Miley Cyrus said, referencing her famous song "The Climb" in her address to the graduating class.

"Keep on trucking," said actress Awkwafina, who joked that her other piece of advice was to never microwave metal — "not even a tiny spoon."

Sterling K. Brown said that he hopes graduates will "look back on this event with the clarity of 20/20 vision and recognize it as a beautiful beginning."

"Live in a way now where you can look back later and say 'I think I handled that pretty well,'" Matthew McConaughey said in his address to the class of 2020.

"It's more than a diploma," Cardi B told graduates. "It's knowledge, it's knowing that you did it."

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles said to this year's graduates: "You've already won."

Education activist Malala Yousafzai, who's graduating from Oxford University, shared words of wisdom to fellow graduates.

In a recent commencement speech, Tom Hanks also called this year's graduates "chosen ones."

"I know you may not feel like it, but you are, indeed, the chosen class for such a time as this," Oprah Winfrey said in a moving speech shared on Facebook and Instagram.