Michael J. Fox's unexpected entrance at the 77th British Academy Film Awards, also known as the BAFTA Awards, caused a frenzy among A-list celebs. The event, honoring the best national and foreign films of 2023, was held on Sunday night, February 18, in London.
When the Doctor Who star David Tennant welcomed the Back to the Future actor, who he called a "true legend of cinema," the audience went wild with a roaring ovation.
At the Royal Festival Hall, the camera swept across the crowd as astonished celebrities like Robert Downey Jr., Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling rose to their feet in support of the 62-year-old actor, whom Tennant referred to as "the film star of the 1980s."
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
— LADbible (@ladbible) February 19, 2024
He received a standing ovation after a surprise appearance at the BAFTAs. Absolute legend ❤️
https://t.co/wzjI2FzZQo
Surprise BAFTAs Appearance
Fox, who has won five Emmys, four Golden Globes, a Grammy, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, entered the stage in a wheelchair but was able to walk a few steps behind the podium without assistance. At the age of 29 years old, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
The Best Film award, which went to Oppenheimer, was presented by Fox. There were four more films that were considered for the trophy: Anatomy of a Fall, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Holdovers, and Poor Things.
Before announcing the winner, Fox said that all five contestants had a similar trait. "They are the best of what we do," he said, according to CNN.
"No matter who you are or where you're from, films can bring us together. There's a reason why they say movies are magic, because movies can change your day, they can change your outlook, sometimes it can even change your life."
Several viewers expressed their emotional reaction to Fox's presence on social media, writing that they were in tears after listening to the 62-year-old actor speak.
Battle With Parkinson's Disease
Fox, who became famous in the 1980s as Alex P. Keaton on the popular sitcom Family Ties, was 29 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1991. Motor functions, including walking and speaking, are impacted by the neurological system and Parkinson's disease, which is an incurable degenerative disorder.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research was established by the actor in 2000. More than $2 billion has been raised for the foundation thus far, according to Tennant.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie is a documentary that airs on Apple TV+ and documents Fox's family life and the impact of his Parkinson's disease on their daily lives. It weaves together the actor's personal story, which has been impacted by the illness for over 30 years, with scenes from his several notable films, including Back to the Future and others.
Fox discusses the devastating effects on his loved ones and his outlook on life after the diagnosis, which prompted him to drink heavily and seek solace in various coping strategies.
Despite being nominated for best documentary at the BAFTAs, the film was ultimately defeated by 20 Days in Mariupol.
