Rochester Honors Octavia Spencer with Official Day

Friday, July 17, 2026, is now known as Octavia Spencer Day in Rochester, N.Y.

During a news conference held Friday at the George Eastman Museum's Dryden Theatre, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans read a proclamation honoring Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer. As she received the proclamation recognizing her contributions to the film industry—not only in Rochester but around the world—Spencer did not hold back the joy on her face.

Mayor Malik Evans and Actress Octavia Spencer - Photos by Cristal Wilson

The previous day, Thursday, July 16, 2026, people filled the Dryden Theatre, with some arriving more than an hour early, to be in the presence of Spencer during a panel discussion following a screening of Hidden Figures, in which she starred. People of all ages, including children, attended the event.

The room became silent as Spencer walked onto the stage for the discussion, hosted by Jared Case, Curator of Film Exhibition at the George Eastman Museum. Moments later, the room erupted in applause as she took her seat.

As Case asked Spencer about her acting journey, she shared, "I love bringing characters to life. Although I enjoy reading, I enjoy acting more. Acting allows me to travel, to go on a journey while bringing characters to life."

Spencer reflected on how her career began.

"I started at the age of 17. There were seven children at home, and my mom worked hard. I remember as a child changing the TV channel and seeing people wearing jewels and getting prizes. I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to do that."

She continued, "I wanted to become a producer, but I realized that I would need to become an actor to learn how to put all the puzzle pieces together," referring to the film industry.

"My mom wanted me to go to college. I attended college and also stayed focused by working behind the scenes," she said.

Spencer shared her appreciation for beginning her career behind the scenes. She credited Whoopi Goldberg, along with other actors and actresses, as inspirations and said she attended acting school to continue improving her craft.

Spencer also shared that "the pitch of the story is important" when deciding whether she is interested in joining a film project.

As the discussion continued, she acknowledged other actors and actresses who inspired her, including Will Smith.

"While working on a film, actors and actresses normally stay in their trailers until it is time to act," she said. "I realized that Will Smith was acting in a scene, and I left my trailer to watch him. After that, I continued to leave my trailer because it was educational and inspiring to watch these actors perform."

Speaking about the realities of the profession, Spencer emphasized that "there are peaks and valleys. It is important to have a community in acting."

Returning to Friday's news conference, one reporter asked Spencer what she would tell young Black people interested in following in her footsteps.

"You have to be passionate about being in film," she said. "You will get a lot of 'no's.' It's important to persevere and to be truthful about your path."

She also noted that she shares something in common with George Eastman, pointing to their mutual interest in philanthropy and supporting the preservation of film.

In addition to being an actress, Spencer is also a producer. Her production company is Orit Entertainment. Among the films and television projects she has produced are Green Book (2018), Ma (2019), Fruitvale Station (2013), Ride or Die (2026), Truth Be Told (2019–2023), Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker (2020), Lost Women of Alaska (2025–2026), and Right to Try (2021), an award-winning documentary.

Rochester has been honored to welcome Spencer and to benefit from the knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration she shared during her appearances on Thursday, July 16, and Friday, July 17.

The celebration concludes this evening with an awards ceremony honoring Spencer at 8 p.m. at the George Eastman Museum.