Stephen Graham will be honoured by Sir Paul McCartney at this year's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) graduation ceremony, taking place tomorrow, Tuesday July 21, 2026. The 52-year-old actor, born and raised in Kirkby, will receive a LIPA Companionship, an award recognising outstanding achievement in the creative industries and significant contributions to student learning.
Graham's Acclaimed Career
Graham, one of Britain's leading actors, has built an outstanding career across film and television with celebrated performances in This Is England, Boardwalk Empire, Line of Duty, Boiling Point, and Adolescence. His work as an actor, writer, and producer has earned widespread critical acclaim, along with BAFTA, Primetime Emmy, and Golden Globe awards and nominations.
Other Honourees
Alongside Graham, four other leading figures from the creative industries will be awarded Companionships: BAFTA-winning actor and writer Cathy Tyson; Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director of Africa Oyé; McFly founding member, songwriter and author Tom Fletcher, who composed the music and lyrics for Paddington: The Musical; and film producer and president of the Oscars, Lynette Howell Taylor.
The Companionships will be bestowed by LIPA’s Founding Patron, Sir Paul McCartney, during a ceremony that celebrates the achievements of more than 400 graduating students from 28 countries, including Colombia, Georgia, India, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela.
Milestone Graduation
LIPA’s Principal and CEO, Professor Sean McNamara, said: “This is a milestone graduation for us. As we mark our 30th anniversary and confer our first LIPA degrees, today is a celebration of creativity and collaboration. Our graduating class of 2026 leaves here as artists, innovators and leaders with the skills, vision, and confidence to shape the creative and cultural industries. It is fitting that we celebrate their achievements alongside the outstanding artists, producers, and managers who join us today as LIPA Companions. We are immensely proud of them all and look forward to seeing the future they create together.”
Full-Circle Moment for Lynette Howell Taylor
For Lynette Howell Taylor, the honour marks a full-circle moment. A proud Liverpudlian, she graduated from LIPA's Management degree in 2000 before moving to Los Angeles, where she has produced more than 25 feature films, including A Star Is Born. In 2025, she was elected President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation behind the Oscars.
Lynette said: “The foundation for my career was built at LIPA. It was the first time I felt truly seen for my passion and abilities. The teaching staff encouraged, supported and pushed me to explore my capabilities. I owe so much to LIPA's founders Mark Featherstone-Witty and Sir Paul McCartney for creating a truly creative and cross discipline environment where both artists and those that enable and work with artists can thrive. Being honoured this way means a tremendous amount to me and my gratitude is endless.”
