14 new Disney Legends were unveiled at the recent D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event which includes big names like Angela Bassett, Miley Cyrus, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harrison Ford, and James Cameron. These individuals have left an indelible mark on The Walt Disney’s legacy. The rest of the awardees include Collen Atwood, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, Steve Ditko, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, was the largest in the 37 years since the first Disney Legend was honored, with a Hollywood-level production that brought the magic of this historic event to even greater heights.
Disney CEO Bob Iger welcomed guests to the ceremony and highlighted the historical significance of the award.
“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor our company bestows,” Iger said. “It’s presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude. Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendous contributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe.”
Each Disney Legend was honored by a special video tribute and surprise guest appearances, including popular film, television, and music stars, devoted Disney cast members, and major musical ensemble performances.
The Disney Legends Awards is a 37-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 318 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Dame Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Kristen Bell, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Dame Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Ellen Pompeo, Robin Roberts, Robert and Richard Sherman, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams among many others.
And for the first time ever, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning Monday, August 12 at 2pm PT/5pm ET (August 13, 5AM PHT).
