Michael J. Fox speech at the BAFTA Awards 2024 leaves viewers in tears
The 77th British Academy Films Awards (BAFTAs) were held on Sunday 18 February 2024 in London. And while there were countless memorable speeches and red carpet interviews throughout the night, one particular special appearance had the entire audience in tears.
Towards the end of the evening, renowned Back to the Future actor Michael J. Fox took to the stage to present the Best Film award and I think it’s fair to say that there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
Fox, who is currently living with Parkinson’s disease, came onto the stage in a wheelchair before insisting on standing at the podium to deliver a speech and present the award, a prize which ultimately went to Oppenheimer.
@bbc Michael J. Fox gets a standing ovation for presenting the award for Best Film 👏 ❤️ #BAFTA #iPlayer
♬ original sound - BBC - BBC
Introduced by David Tennant as a “true legend of cinema,” Fox stated: “Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do.”
The actor, best known for his starring role in the Back to the Future franchise, noted how films can bring people together “no matter who you are or where you’re from.”
Fox also stated: “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.”
Since his diagnosis in 1991, Fox has greatly decreased his public appearances, so netizens were immediately thrilled to see the actor once again take the stage:
Michael J. Fox deserves his ovation at the BAFTAs. He has battled Parkinson's disease since 1991 and raised awareness and huge amounts of money for this horrendous disease. My own family has been affected by Parkinson’s so hats off to Michael J. Fox.
— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) February 18, 2024
https://t.co/v3WbdNi2LW
It's gotta be said, at 11 years old he was my movie hero. I'm nearly 50 and after seeing him at the BAFTA's tonight. He's every bit the hero I remember him to be. What a legend! #michaeljfox pic.twitter.com/dZzQY3IZun
— BrightLightGames (@BrightLitegames) February 18, 2024
That standing ovation for Michael J Fox has broken me 😫🥹😭😭 #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/Q08igYXzVa
— Tellylassie (@ScutcherM) February 18, 2024
