Filmmaker Steven Spielberg adjusts his hat while sitting for a photograph before Harvard University commencement exercises, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - Filmmaker Steven Spielberg has told Harvard University graduates to become heroes in real life. Speaking at commencement on Thursday, Spielberg invoked stories from his films and his life as he encouraged students to take on the world's woes.
He told them the world is full of villains, such as like racism, homophobia and religious hatred, and the response to them should be empathy.
Spielberg has won Oscars for best picture and best director for "Schindler's List" and best director for "Saving Private Ryan." One of his earliest hits, "Jaws," was filmed primarily on the Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard.
He earned a degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 2002, after dropping out of the school in the 1960s.
Harvard says Spielberg is not being paid for his speech.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, center, greets people while proceeding through Harvard Yard at the start of Harvard University commencement exercises on the school's campus, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. Spielberg is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech Thursday at Harvard University. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, left, speaks with Harvard President Drew Faust, right, while sitting for a photograph before Harvard University commencement exercises, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg waves as he acknowledges applause before receiving an honorary doctor of arts degree during Harvard University commencement exercises, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg steps onto the stage during Harvard University commencement exercises, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
Sheryl Sandberg, chief operation officer of Facebook, center, greets people before Harvard University commencement exercises on the school's campus, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press
Harvard President Drew Faust, center, receives applause while proceeding toward the podium at the start of Harvard University commencement exercises, Thursday, May 26, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Associated Press