See which celebrities are giving commencement speeches this year

Some of Hollywood's biggest names will soon be taking a different kind of center stage: the commencement stage.

With graduation season around the corner, several celebrities have been tapped as commencement speakers for some of the top colleges in the country.

Traditionally, schools select a notable person to impart wisdom on their graduating class. In the past, some lucky graduates have heard directly from the likes of award-winning actors, chart-topping musicians and other public figures.

This year is no different. Here's a look at which celebrities will be giving commencement speeches in 2026.

Conan O'Brien

The comedian and Harvard alumnus will return to his alma mater to speak to graduates on May 28. He will also be awarded an honorary degree, Harvard announced.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The former "Sex and the City" star is trading the Big Apple for the Windy City. Parker will address the Northwestern University class of 2026 during a June 14 ceremony. She will also receive an honorary doctorate degree, the school announced.

Debbie Allen

The prolific actress will be this year's commencement speaker on May 18 at Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black university in Atlanta.

Eric Church

The Grammy Award-nominated country singer will return to his North Carolina roots to speak to graduates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on May 9.

Ray Lewis

Lewis, a former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, is set to address graduates from North Carolina Central University's College of Health & Sciences, School of Education and School of Business on May 9.

Colman Domingo

The Emmy Award winner and one of the stars of the upcoming "Michael" biopic will deliver the commencement address at Temple University on May 6. Domingo will also receive an honorary degree from the university, which he once attended but did not graduate from.

Additionally, he's slated to receive an honorary degree from Swarthmore College during its commencement on May 24.

Misty Copeland

The beloved ballet dancer will address Wake Forest University's commencement on May 18.

James Patterson

Patterson, the author of more than 250 novels, will be this year's commencement speaker on May 9 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hilary Duff

The former "Lizzie McGuire" star will deliver what dreams are made of at Northeastern University's commencement on April 29.

Queen Latifah

The multihyphenate performer will be one of the speakers at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's graduation on May 8.

Hugh Jackman

The Wolverine is headed to the Midwest. Jackman has been tapped to address the graduating class at Ball State University on May 2. He will also receive an honorary doctor of arts degree, the university said.

John Green

The bestselling author and popular YouTuber has been announced as the commencement speaker at Rice University on May 9.

Henry Winkler

The former "Happy Days" star will be the speaker at Emerson College's commencement on May 9 in Boston.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.