Harrison Ford fought back tears, while Miley Cyrus openly wept as numerous stars expressed their emotions during the Disney Legends honor ceremony on Sunday in Anaheim, California.
Disney recognized 14 influential artists for their significant contributions to the company, including director James Cameron, composer John Williams, actress Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, and television host Kelly Ripa.
The induction took place at The Honda Center as part of the D23 fan convention, with Ryan Seacrest serving as the host. The ceremony is currently available to stream on Disney+.
Ford, who was the first to receive the award, referred to himself as an “assistant storyteller” and acknowledged the vital role of his collaborators throughout his career. He expressed gratitude to Disney CEO Bob Iger for his supportive friendship, saying, “I love the life you’ve given me.” This honor comes over two decades after Ford was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cyrus, visibly emotional during her acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of confronting fear and pushing through it. “Legends get scared, too. I’m scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway,” she asserted, encouraging everyone to take risks.
Country singer Lainey Wilson energized the audience with a lively rendition of “The Best of Both Worlds,” a song from Cyrus’s show, “Hannah Montana.” Cyrus, who became famous in 2006 for her role in the series, is the youngest recipient of the Legend award and won her first Grammy in February.
Angela Bassett, known for her roles in “Black Panther” films, was presented with her award by the films’ director, Ryan Coogler. She acknowledged the fans’ importance, stating, “You are the magic.”
Lindsay Lohan and Jodie Foster teamed up to honor Jamie Lee Curtis, with Foster highlighting Curtis’s creativity and bravery. Curtis remarked, “Legends aren’t born, they’re created.” She has starred in various Disney films and is set to return for a sequel to “Freaky Friday.”
Ford returned to the stage to honor John Williams, whose iconic film scores include “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars,” and “Jaws.” Though Williams was not in attendance, the Pacific Symphony performed a selection of his music.
Kate Winslet and Zoe Saldaña, stars of “Titanic” and “Avatar,” celebrated James Cameron, who expressed his gratitude at being inducted among such talented individuals.
Kelly Ripa, now hosting “Live with Kelly and Mark,” reflected on her 34-year career with Disney, stating, “I owe everything to Disney.”
Danny DeVito presented a Disney Legend award to James L. Brooks, praising him as a unique talent in the industry.
Additionally, Disney honored six behind-the-scenes creatives who have made significant contributions to its films and experiences, including costume designer Colleen Atwood and animator Mark Henn.
Over 300 individuals have received the Disney Legends honor since the program began in 1987, with past honorees including Elton John, Steve Jobs, and Betty White.