By Elvira Palomo

WASHINGTON – Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar said Thursday he was “thrilled” to learn he had been awarded an honorary doctorate of arts degree from Harvard University, the oldest and arguably the most prestigious institution of higher learning in the United States.

In statements to Efe, he stressed the significance this honor holds for him. “I didn’t go to university. I’m a self-taught person. yet my work is exhaustively studied here,” he said proudly.

Almodovar said he was told several months ago, while shooting his latest film, “Los abrazos rotos” (Broken Embraces), that he would be receiving this honorary doctorate, adding that he welcomed the news “with surprise and joy.”

“I was thrilled to receive the news, but I’m really enjoying it now,” the director said at this year’s graduation ceremony, an event that could well provide inspiration for a future film.

“I was looking at all those faces trying to think what those kids are going to do in the future, because some are going to save us and others are going to condemn us,” he said.

The U.S. audience has become increasingly enamored with the intricately plotted, melodramatic films of Almodovar, and equally fascinated with his colorful personality.

Two of his recent films have won Oscars: “Hable con ella” (Talk to Her), which won the best screenplay award in 2002; and “Todo sobre mi madre” (All About My Mother), recognized as the best foreign-language film in 2000.

Wearing a black cap and a red gown, Almodovar picked up his diploma during a ceremony that the filmmaker described as “very emotional.”

The filmmaker said the diploma has special significance for him because he never went to university and because only three Spaniards have been conferred this honor: King Juan Carlos (1984), architect Josep Lluis Sert (1967) and painter Joan Miro (1968).

During Thursday’s ceremony, Almodovar said he was struck by the colors, the attitude of the students and the fact that under their formal gowns the graduates were dressed in Bermuda shorts. “All of this is very interesting and nice to see in person. If I stay two more months I’ll make a film,” he joked.

Also Thursday, American author Joan Didion received an honorary doctor of letters degree and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis an honorary doctor of music degree. EFE