On May 5, Erivo will join Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder of USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, for the discussion, during which she will also accept the inaugural Icon Award. As part of the event, Erivo will announce two new scholarships: an eponymous award at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and the Cynthia Erivo Film Bursary, supporting students pursuing drama, theater, film, and related disciplines.
The scholarships are made possible through the support of Jason and Yvonne Lee, the USC School of Dramatic Arts, and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Recipients will be selected at the start of the 2026 fall term.
“Cynthia Erivo is a leading voice whose work, advocacy, and ethos are resonant and necessary in today’s entertainment industry,” said Dr. Smith. “Her commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers is extraordinary, and this event will showcase her unique vision and incredible talent.”
The conversation, titled “In Conversation with Cynthia Erivo,” will be held at the newly opened Sohmen Concert Hall, part of the Schwarzman Centre in Oxford’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. The venue, dedicated to arts and humanities programming, hosts discussions that bring together leading artists, performers, academics, and the public.
“Cynthia Erivo and Stacy Smith discussing storytelling and entertainment will exemplify that mission,” said executive producer Josie Bamford. “It is particularly exciting that Oxford students will benefit from engaging directly with leading artists like Cynthia and have the chance to apply for this new Film Bursary. This will create opportunities for young people to pursue the arts and access the creative industries, regardless of their background.”
Tickets for the conversation will go on sale to Schwarzman Centre Members on April 6 at 10 a.m. local time, and to the general public from April 13 via the centre’s website.