Scott Stuber (’92) will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the College of Fine Arts at the University of Arizona’s Commencement ceremony, May 15, at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
“For his groundbreaking contributions to the art and industry of filmmaking, his visionary leadership within one of the most influential entertainment companies of our time, and his continued connection to and support of the University of Arizona, Scott Stuber exemplifies the highest ideals of creativity, innovation and impact,” said College of Fine Arts’ Dean Hasan Elahi.
Photo: Valerie Goodloe/MediaPunch/ StringersHub/Sipa USA
A proud alumnus of the college and the School of Theatre, Film & Television, Stuber has spent decades redefining how films are created, distributed and experienced. He is currently in a multi-year partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to relaunch the historic United Artists and to finance and release movies and series from his new production company. From 2017 to 2024, Stuber served as chairman of Netflix Films, guiding the company’s transformation into a global production and distribution leader.
Reshaping an entire industry
“Perhaps no one in the modern era has so fundamentally changed not only how movies are made, but how they are distributed, consumed, and valued, reshaping the structure of the entire industry in the process. He didn’t inherit a studio so much as an idea of one,” said TFTV Director Frances Gateward.
Within only a few years, Netflix was releasing more than 70 films annually. In both 2020 and 2021, it earned more Academy Award nominations than any other entertainment studio.
Under his guidance, Netflix released critically acclaimed titles like Alfonso Cuarón’s Academy Award–winning “Roma,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” and Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” In January of 2026, “Frankenstein” earned three Academy Awards and multiple nominations, including “Best Picture,” marking a milestone in Stuber’s producing career.
The Possibilities of Filmmaking
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the University of Arizona, a place that helped shaped my creative instincts and introduced me to so many of the possibilities of filmmaking,” said Stuber. “My time on campus – especially within the TFTV program – gave me the foundation to pursue storytelling at the highest level, and I’m proud to see the program continue to flourish as one of the best in the country. To return now and receive this honor from my alma mater is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”
Stuber received the College of Fine Arts Professional Achievement Award in 2010 for his rising influence.
The university’s 162nd Commencement ceremony will be held at Casino Del Sol Stadium on Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. A full schedule and more information about this year’s ceremony are available on the Commencement website.
- 2024 | Craig T. Nelson | Doctor of Fine Arts
- 2023 | Linda McCarthy | Doctor of Fine Arts
- 2022 | Joe Tremaine | Doctor of Fine Arts