One of the highest regards that Disney gives out is the Disney Legend award. Every other year, a new class that has made a significant impact on Disney is inducted into the House of Mouse’s esteemed Hall of Fame and this year brought Avengers-level honorees together to be honored. Stars such as Harrison Ford, James Cameron, Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, and even more were presented their awards as part of this year’s D23 Expo.
Hollywood icon Harrison Ford thanked the company and fans for the “life you have given me.” His career speaks for itself as a lead in the Star Wars franchise as Han Solo and as the titular character Indiana Jones. He will also join the MCU in Captain America: Brave New World as Thunderbolt Ross. Bob Iger, Disney CEO of the Walt Disney Company, inducted Ford into the hall of fame, and a treasured friend of Ford, talked about the actor being the definition of a leading man.
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Ford accepted the award to a thunderous standing ovation, and expressed his love and gratitude for the life he has had because of the fans. He spoke about his role in storytelling, and how privileged he feels to work in the industry. He added that stories are made for the fans, about the fans, and about “all of us.”
“I love the life you’ve given me. I love the people that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Nobody does anything in this business for long. We work in collaboration, no matter what who we are and what we’re doing.”
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titled New World Order) marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers’ successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
- Director
- Julius Onah
- Format
- Theatrical
- Studio
- Marvel Studios
- Franchise
- Marvel
Oscar nominee Angela Bassett, meanwhile, was honored by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, who remarked on his interest in her astounding work from early in his life, and how that impacted his film-making career. Bassett, known for three decades of work for Disney with a career that spans across works such as What’s Love Got to Do With It, narration of National Geographic’s The Flood and the Disney+ docuseries The ImagineeringStory, and, most recently, her Oscar-nominated performance as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In her acceptance speech, she spoke about her career, and it being more than just herself on this journey.
“From day one in my pursuit of a career as an actress, I have understood that I am a part of something greater than myself. I offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey… I am forever proud to be your wife, your mother, your sister, and your
auntie
.”
James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Williams & More Are Now Disney Legends
Acclaimed director James Cameron was also honored with a Disney Legend award for his work in the Avatar franchise, including the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, and his partnership with National Geographic.Titanic star Kate Winslet appeared in a video during which she highlighted his power of imagination that “inspires us all”. She then introduced Zoe Saldaña, who presented Cameron with his award and said, “Your passion, your dedication and your eye for detail are truly unmatched.”
Cameron took a moment in his speech to honor producing partner Jon Landau, who passed away last month. He spoke about the recurring theme of all the nominees’ speeches: that it cannot be done alone.
“As a storyteller who expresses through film, it’s not a solo act. You’re only as good as the artists that you can gather around you,”
Jamie Lee Curtis took her already legendary status a step further, becoming a Disney Legend. Curtis was inducted by her Freaky Friday and it’s sequel co-star Lindsay Lohan, who regarded Curtis as “timeless.” Curtis was gifted her own embroidered pair of Mickey Mouse ears. She took to the stage slightly emotional, and spoke about her favorite Disney ride growing up, the Carousel of Progress, urging the audience to listen to the lyrics. “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day. There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow and tomorrow’s just a dream away,” were among the lyrics she sang with the crowd.
“The truth is, legends aren’t formed. They’re created when they’re nurtured and taught and educated.”
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One of the most anticipated inductees of the night, Grammy Award-winning sensation Miley Cyrus, took the stage following a performance of her iconic song “Best of Both Worlds.” Cyrus is the youngest person to ever become a Disney Legend, with her career beginning with the lead role in Hannah Montana.
“I stand here still proud to have been ‘Hannah Montana. This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.”
The star-studded ceremony honored legends from all areas of the industry, including Academy Award-Winning Costume designer Colleen Atwood; Academy Award-Winning director James L. Brooks; actress and talk show host Kelly Ripa; the late, great Marvel comic artist Steve Ditko; creator of The Muppets Frank Oz; Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin animator Mark Henn; and the iconic composer behind the likes of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, John Williams, also took his rightful place as a Disney Legend. You can check out the full list of new Disney Legends here.
