Oscar Nominated Harrison Ford has been officially declared a legend – a Disney legend that is.
Sunday at the D23 At the Expo, Ford was presented with a Walt Disney Company Hall of Fame-style award. Because Lucasfilm is owned by Disney, Ford’s most famous roles (such as “Star Wars” Han Solo and adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones) cement him as one of the studio’s most iconic actors. Next February, Ford continues his legendary career at the studio by starring in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Brave New World” as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the president of the United States who memorably transforms into the Red Hulk.
Bob Iger took the stage to present Ford with the first award of the night. “Before he was the captain of the Millennium, the Falcon or a globetrotting archaeologist, Harrison Ford was, like so many others, an aspiring actor who came to Hollywood to pursue his dreams,” Iger joked to thunderous applause at the Honda Center. “He is the definition of a leading man, excelling in a category all his own.”
After a montage of Harrison’s most iconic works, Ford took the stage to a rapturous standing ovation. Referencing one of his most iconic “Star Wars” moments, he told the audience: “I love you, too.”
She continued: “I love the life I’ve been given. I love the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. No one does anything in this business for a long time. We work collaboratively, no matter who we are and what we’re doing.”
Ford defined himself as an “assistant storyteller,” adding: “The stories are for you, about you, on you.” us“It’s a privilege to be able to work in that field,” Ford said, holding back tears.
He went on to personally thank Iger, saying, “I’m acknowledging how important Bob has been to the work I’ve done in a creative and business capacity, and he’s also become a dear friend.”
Ford’s acceptance speech was one of the most anticipated of the evening’s ceremony, which also included “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” composer John Williams and Frank Oz, who brought Jedi Master Yoda to life. The trio joins George Lucas, Mark Hamill, the late Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, Jon Favreau and Ming-Na Wen as members of the Lucasfilm family tree who have already been enshrined.
The full class of 2024 honorees includes Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; “Black Panther” star and Oscar nominee Angela Bassett; Disney’s first Black tour guide Martha Blanding; television and film icon, Oscar winner James L. Brooks; “Avatar” genius and Oscar winner James Cameron; “Freaky Friday” star and Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis; Grammy Award winner and “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus; comic book artist Steve Ditko; animator Mark Henn; Emmy-winning television host Kelly Ripa; and Disney Imagineer executive Joe Rohde. The ceremony will stream on Disney+ in the U.S. and Canada, beginning Monday, Aug. 12.
This isn’t the first time Ford has gotten emotional on stage; in fact, it’s become a charming trend. In January, Ford got emotional while accepting a lifetime achievement award. of the Association of Film Critics.
“I’m here thanks to a combination of luck and the work of wonderful directors, screenwriters and cinematographers. I feel incredibly lucky,” Ford told the crowd of celebrities, visibly moved by the admiration and applause.
He got even more emotional when he thanked his wife, Calista Flockhart, who “supports me when I need a lot of support, and I need a lot of support.” He then gave a shout-out to his co-stars, many of whom were seated in the room, including “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” actor Ke Huy Quan. “I’m grateful to all the great actors… that I’ve worked with and I’m deeply happy to have had the opportunities that I’ve had.”