On May 9, 2025, at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute, Jodie Foster—the Academy Award-winning actress and director—was honored with the prestigious Radcliffe Medal, an award recognizing individuals who have made transformative contributions to society. In a heartfelt speech during the ceremony, Foster expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply humbled to receive the Radcliffe Medal and participate in a discussion with my esteemed Yale professor and mentor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., accompanied by Bonnie. This special day will be etched in my memory forever.” The event was not just a milestone in Foster’s illustrious career but also a moment of reflection on her journey—from her days as a Yale student to her status as a Hollywood icon and advocate for the marginalized.

The Radcliffe Medal: Honoring a Trailblazer

The Radcliffe Medal, awarded annually by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard since 1987, celebrates individuals whose work has had a profound impact on society, particularly women who break barriers. Past recipients include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, labor activist Dolores Huerta, and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. In 2025, Jodie Foster was chosen for her groundbreaking career in a male-dominated film industry and her unwavering commitment to improving safety and well-being for LGBTQ+ youth. Introducing Foster, Radcliffe Dean Tomiko Brown-Nagin remarked, “Jodie has harnessed the power of art to pose existential questions about the human experience while drawing our attention to critical issues and forgotten voices.”

Held during Radcliffe Day 2025 at Harvard, the ceremony took place despite dreary, rainy weather, drawing a large crowd of students, faculty, and longtime Foster fans. The event gained an extra layer of significance as Foster reunited with two cherished figures in her life: Henry Louis Gates Jr., her mentor from Yale and now a Harvard professor, and Bonnie Stoll, her real-life friend whom she portrayed in the 2023 film Nyad. Together, the trio created an atmosphere of warmth and inspiration, leaving the audience visibly moved.

From Yale to Hollywood: A Journey of Resilience

Jodie Foster, born Alicia Christian Foster on November 19, 1962, began acting at the age of three in a Coppertone commercial. She quickly rose to fame as a child star in Disney films like Napoleon and Samantha (1972) and Freaky Friday (1976). Her breakout role came at 14 in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (1976), earning her a first Oscar nomination. Despite early fame, Foster craved a normal life and a rigorous education, leading her to enroll at Yale University in 1980.

At Yale, Foster majored in African-American literature, a choice reflecting her intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. Under the guidance of Henry Louis Gates Jr.—then a young professor, as he described himself—Foster wrote her senior thesis on Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon. Gates even arranged for her to meet Morrison at her home in Nyack, New York, an experience Foster called “the greatest moment of my life.” During their Radcliffe Day conversation, Gates reminisced with a chuckle, “Who would’ve thought that two Yalies like us, meeting when you were a student and I was a rookie professor in 1983-1984, would end up here at Harvard together?” Foster quipped back, “And not covered in beer!”

Yale wasn’t just a place of academic growth for Foster; it was also where she faced significant personal challenges. In 1981, as a freshman, she became the target of John Hinckley Jr.’s obsession after he attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan to “impress” her. The incident turned her life upside down, forcing her to live under tight security and endure relentless media scrutiny. “It really turned my world upside down,” Foster shared during her conversation with Gates, a rare public reflection on that turbulent time. “I don’t often talk about that period because it was such a stormy chapter.”

A Special Bond with Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Bonnie Stoll

Radcliffe Day 2025 was more than an award ceremony—it was a meaningful reunion. Henry Louis Gates Jr., now the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard and host of Finding Your Roots, was Foster’s mentor at Yale. Their relationship, which began in the classroom, evolved into a lasting friendship over the decades. During their on-stage discussion, Gates and Foster shared fond memories of their Yale days, from debating African-American literature to Foster seeking his advice on life and career. “I’m proud of Jodie not just for her career but for the person she’s become,” Gates said, prompting a touched smile from Foster.

Joining them was Bonnie Stoll, adding another layer of significance to the day. Stoll is the real-life best friend of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, and Foster portrayed Stoll in the 2023 biopic Nyad, which chronicled Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Florida. The role earned Foster an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and deepened her bond with Nyad and Stoll in real life. At the ceremony, Nyad, also in attendance, spoke warmly of Foster: “Jodie, we wouldn’t have missed this day for anything. We’re so proud of you, and we’re thrilled by our growing friendship.” Foster, ever humble, replied, “I’m the lucky one to have worked with you both and to be here today.”

The Meaning of the Radcliffe Medal for Jodie Foster

For Jodie Foster, the Radcliffe Medal is more than an accolade—it’s a recognition of her lifelong journey of breaking barriers in Hollywood and living authentically. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of using art to tell overlooked stories and advocate for vulnerable communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. “I want my career to be defined by what I create, by the value I bring,” she said, echoing a goal she set early in her career.

The event also had its lighthearted moments, such as when Foster was asked why she chose Yale over Harvard, where she was also accepted. “My mom really wanted me to go here,” she told Gates, before joking, “I guess I made a big mistake.” Still, Foster expressed gratitude for Harvard’s efforts to uphold progressive values, especially amid the challenging political climate in the U.S. in 2025.

A Day to Remember Forever

As the ceremony drew to a close, Jodie Foster stood on stage, holding the Radcliffe Medal, flanked by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Bonnie Stoll, her eyes gleaming with pride and joy. May 9, 2025, was not just a day of recognition but a chance for her to reflect on her remarkable journey—from a child star caught between fame and danger, to a resilient Yale student, to a global icon. Foster has proven that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.

“This special day will be etched in my memory forever,” Foster concluded her speech, her voice thick with emotion. With the Radcliffe Medal in hand, she not only received well-deserved recognition but also inspired millions worldwide—those who see in her not just a cinematic legend, but a powerful, intelligent, and compassionate human being.