An Oscar-winning Esher resident has been presented with an honorary degree from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham.

Billy Williams, 80, who was also awarded an OBE last month for services to the film industry, has been the cinematographer for some 40 films during his illustrious career.

These include Gandhi in 1982, for which he received an Oscar, as well as Women in Love (1969), Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) and On Golden Pond (1981).

Mr Williams accepted the award at the university’s graduation ceremony at Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday, July 1.

Since he retired in 1996, Mr Williams has spent some of his time conducting workshops and seminars on cinematography, which included teaching a masters class at the Surrey institute of Art and Design, a precursor to the University for the Creative Arts.

He also sponsors a scholarship for cinematography at the university in Farnham, where he interviews and personally selects the recipient each year.

Professor Elaine Thomas, vice-chancellor at the university, said: “The university is delighted to honour Billy. He is a much loved and highly regarded cinematographer who has made a huge contribution to film. He has also given his time very generously to our staff and students over the years.”

The graduation ceremony last month was the first held as a full university and to mark the occasion it commissioned a brass fanfare composed by Edward Gregson.

The work lasts just over three minutes and was performed live at the ceremony by the brass ensemble Jubilate Brass.

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