Actor and activist Michael J Fox received a standing ovation after making a surprise appearance at the BAFTA Film Awards in London.
The Back to the Future film series star was described as a “true legend of cinema” by host David Tennant, who introduced Fox onto the stage at the Royal Festival Hall.
Michael J. Fox has battled Parkinson’s disease since 1991. He started a foundation to find a cure and has raised $2 billion for research
He received a standing ovation after a surprise appearance at the BAFTAs. Absolute legend ❤️
Fox presented the Best Film award, which was won by Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
He was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from the audience as he came on stage in a wheelchair but stood at the podium.
The 62-year-old – who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease a year after Back to the Future Part III was released in 1990 – described films as “magic” that can “change your life”.
Presenting the award, he said: “Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do.
“No matter who you are or where you’re from, these films can bring us together.
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day.
“It can change your outlook. Sometimes it can change your life.”
Fox founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which has raised more than $2 billion, CBS News reported in November.
He was honoured at the Governors Awards in 2022 with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar recognising outstanding philanthropic efforts.
The biggest applause of the night went to the star of Back to the Future – and Bafta-nominated documentary Still – for his brief appearance presenting the best picture award. Fox’s appearance had not been billed beforehand, and there was an audible gasp of excitement in the room as he entered. Fox hasn’t been to the Baftas for more than 30 years: few could imagine a lovelier homecoming king.
PHOTO: Michael J Fox presents the Best Film Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
