Actor Denzel Washington delivered a very inspirational graduation speech at the University of Pennsylvania’s 255th Commencement on Monday, May 16,2011.

Addressing about 5,000 graduates, Washington confessed he was a bit scared before giving his commencement speech.

The Oscar winning actor delivered a humorous speech, but also talked about failure. Instead of advising the graduates to have something to fall back on, Washington instead encouraged them to “fall forward, learn from their mistakes and keep going.” Denzel told the graduates: “If you don’t fail, you’re not even trying.”

At the ceremony, Washington also received an honorary doctorate.

Watch the speech below: