"What a legend": Michael J Fox receives emotional standing ovation
Michael J Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, made a surprise appearance at the BAFTA Awards in London.
The Back to the Future actor came onstage in a wheelchair, but he insisted on standing up at the podium to present the Best Film award.
The star-studded audience all rose to their feet and gave the actor a standing ovation.
When presenting the award, Fox described cinema as "magic" which can "change your life".
"Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do," he said.
He added that films can bring people together "no matter who you are or where you're from".
"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, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in the 1990s, rarely makes public appearances.
Many fans were pleasantly surprised at his appearance as he presented the night’s biggest award, Best Film, to Oppenheimer.
"I was in tears the moment Michael J Fox came on the stage," one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"THE MAN IS A LEGEND"
i was in tears the moment Michael J Fox came on the stage 😥😥😥
THE MAN IS A LEGEND #BAFTAs #BAFTA2024 #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/Uud368S9gb
— RanaJi🏹 (@RanaTells) February 18, 2024
"Michael J Fox. Absolute hero. What a legend," wrote another.
Michael J Fox. Absolute hero. What a legend. #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/62lxpCy3mn
— Jules 🌼 (@JulesItsjules) February 18, 2024
"All those stars in the room, and still the biggest and most affectionate reaction is for Michael J Fox, because the man is a legend," added a third.
All those stars in the room, and still the biggest and most affectionate reaction is for Michael J Fox, because the man is a legend. #EEBAFTAs
— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) February 18, 2024
"He's a total legend and wonderful human," wrote a fourth.
The actor has spoken candidly about his experience with Parkinson's over the years, and has said that he has made peace with the degenerative nature of the disease.
In a previous interview with AARP magazine profile, the actor admitted that he did not fear death.
“I am genuinely a happy guy. I don’t have a morbid thought in my head — I don’t fear death. At all," he told the publication.
Images: Getty