The word ‘legend’ is an overused word in most circles, but when it comes to the arena of cinema – specifically the realms of music, puppetry and being a beloved global megastar – then the word seems barely adequate to describe John Williams, Frank Oz and Harrison Ford. Deep into their careers, all three have left indelible marks on their respective fields, and last night as D23 came to a close they were honoured with inductions as Disney Legends.
Ford – already an icon due to his roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and about to take on the role of Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross in the MCU – was understandably moved by the award.
On Sunday at the D23 Expo, Ford was honored with the hall-of-fame-style award from the Walt Disney Company. Because Lucasfilm is owned by Disney, Ford’s most famous roles — like Han Solo from “Star Wars” and the adventuring archaeologist Indiana Jones — cement him as one of the studio’s most iconic actors.
Bob Iger took the stage to present Ford with the first award of the night. “Before he was the captain of the Millennium Falcon or a globetrotting archeologist, Harrison Ford was, like so many, an aspiring actor who came to Hollywood to pursue their dreams,” Iger teased to thunderous applause at the Honda Center. “He is the definition of a leading man, who stands alone in a category all his own.”
Ford then addressed the crowd.
“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.”
Ford called himself an “assistant storyteller,” adding, “The stories are for you, about you, about us,” Ford said as he choked back tears. “To be able to work in that area is a privilege.”
He went on to thank Iger personally, saying, “I’m acknowledging how important Bob has been in the work that I’ve done and in a creative and business capacity, and he’s also become a dear friend.”
Harrison Ford receives a standing ovation at the Disney Legends event during #D23. https://t.co/u61lntm2MR pic.twitter.com/QZB5uTNlth
— Variety (@Variety) August 12, 2024
Frank Oz gained legend status many, many moons ago and was honoured by the house of mouse as a Disney Legend, not only for his work with the Muppets, or as Master Yoda but also as a noted director.
Join us in celebrating the iconic Frank Oz as he becomes a Disney Legend tonight at #D23. pic.twitter.com/abZtGxlOF1
— Star Wars (@starwars) August 12, 2024
To honour John Williams, the Pacific Symphony performed a medley of his classic hits.
Pacific Symphony performs a medley of John Williams’ most memorable music at #D23. pic.twitter.com/sx1v7g8TZj
— Variety (@Variety) August 12, 2024
Ford, Oz and Williams join an illustrious list of Lucasfilm family members who have already been inducted as Disney legends.
Ford’s acceptance speech was one of the most anticipated at the evening ceremony, which also saw “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” composer John Williams and Frank Oz — who brought Jedi master Yoda to life — inducted. The trio join George Lucas, Mark Hamill, the late Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, Jon Favreau and Ming-Na Wen as members of the Lucasfilm tree who’ve already been enshrined.
The full class of 2024 honorees include Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; “Black Panther” star and Oscar nominee Angela Bassett; the first Black Disney tour guide Martha Blanding; TV and film icon and Oscar winner James L. Brooks; “Avatar” mastermind and Oscar winner James Cameron; “Freaky Friday” star and Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis; Grammy winner and “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus; comic book artist Steve Ditko; animator Mark Henn; Emmy-winning TV host Kelly Ripa; and Disney Imagineer executive Joe Rohde.
Congratulations to all, and the ceremony will stream on Disney Plus in the US and Canada later today.
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