Academy Awards nominations 2022: Where did the Oscar nominees go to university?

This year marks the 94th anniversary of the Oscars, and we’ve taken a look at where the 2022 nominees went to university to prep themselves for a career in the film industry.

Although some of the talent did not attend university, choosing instead to dive straight into work, there are 130 universities, theatre schools and specialist schools from all over the world on this year’s list.

Unsurprisingly, universities and colleges in North America and the UK are well represented, but universities in Japan, Denmark, Poland, India and New Zealand also feature. 

It is also important to note that universities and theatre schools were still included in this list even if the nominee dropped out part way through their course or transferred to another university during their degree programme – and some of the nominees’ education information was not available online at the time of publication.

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art: four nominated alumni

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in London has produced the joint highest number of Oscar nominees this year. Many successful actors hone their craft at this prestigious theatre, film and television school.

Among the alumni from Rada is Sir Kenneth Branagh (who also happens to be president of the school) who has been nominated in three categories this year for directing, film and original screenplay for his semi-autobiographical film Belfast.

Other nominees who have attended Rada include actor and director Maggie Gyllenhaal and Belfast actor Ciarán Hinds. 

University of California, Los Angeles: four nominated alumni  

Given its proximity to Hollywood, it’s no surprise that the University of California, Los Angeles is in joint first position. 

Best actress nominee Kristen Stewart was enrolled on an English literature course at the university back in 2013, although it is unclear whether she completed her degree or not. Two of the nominees worked on the sci-fi epic Dune and a further two recognised for their work in visual effects. 

University of Southern California: four nominated alumni

The University of Southern California consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities. Opened in Los Angeles in 1880, prior to the city getting electric lighting, pavements or telephones, the university has since established a tradition of turning out impressive silver screen talent. 

This year is no different, with four nominated alumni who attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. 

Harvard University: three nominated alumni

Harvard is the alma mater of three nominees this year, including film and TV composer Nicholas Britell. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a strong theatre and film scene. 

Two of the nominees, Jared Bush and Clark Spencer, worked together on the animated hit Encanto. Bush studied American and English literature at the university while Spencer graduated with a degree in history. 

Dartmouth College: three nominated alumni

Another Ivy League institution, Dartmouth College, produced three of 2022’s Oscar nominees. 

Dartmouth alumni Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were nominated for their work on the animated feature film The Mitchells vs. the Machines. 

Where did the rest of the nominees go to university?