Anthony Minghella at The Laurence Olivier Awards held at the London Hilton, Park Lane. London, England - 26.02.06

The COLD MOUNTAIN director received his accolade at England's University of Reading yesterday (08JUL06).

The Oscar-winning star was honoured with a Doctor of Letters for his "exceptional creative endeavour and cultural leadership in the fields of film, theatre and television."

Film Professor JONATHAN BIGNELL, who presented the award, praised Minghella saying, "Across the media of theatre, radio, television and film, Anthony continues to be a leading figure in the arts nationally and internationally and as such, we are delighted to be awarding him this degree."