Nika Shakhnazarova
Michael J. Fox was overcome with emotion as he received a standing ovation at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday.
The beloved actor, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for decades, presented the award for best film to “Oppenheimer” at the star-studded ceremony held at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Fox, 62, used a wheelchair to get up on the stage before standing at the podium.
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic, because movies can change your day. They can change your outlook, and sometimes even your life,” the “Back to the Future” star said.
Fox’s appearance tugged at heartstrings as a slew of celebrities, including Cate Blanchett, Ryan Gosling, and Margot Robbie, were seen rising out of their seats to cheer and clap for him.
The “Stuart Little” alum attended the BAFTAs with his wife of 35 years, Tracy Pollan.
It’s not the first standing ovation Fox has received in recent months.
In January, the five-time Emmy winner received a standing ovation at the National Board of Review gala in New York as he accepted an award for the documentary film, “Still.”
Fox, who publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998, has been open about his ongoing battle with the degenerative central nervous system disorder.
“One day I’ll run out of gas. One day I’ll just say, ‘It’s not going to happen. I’m not going out today.’ If that comes, I’ll allow myself that. I’m 62 years old,” he told Town & Country in November.
“Certainly, if I were to pass away tomorrow, it would be premature, but it wouldn’t be unheard of. And so, no, I don’t fear that.”
According to the CDC, Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
The Parkinson’s Foundation says the affliction “affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.”
In recent years, Fox’s endured a few physical injuries, including a broken arm, shoulder, and hand.
The actor was diagnosed with the disease in 1991, at age 29.
In 2000, Fox opened the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research — a move that has helped many find the help and support they need throughout their respective battles with the disease.
He disclosed his medical battle in 1998 after paparazzi “heckled” him into doing so.
This post was originally posted by NYPost
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