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Disney’s star-studded Legends ceremony: A night to remember
A celebration of Disney’s legacy
The Disney Legends ceremony, held at Anaheim’s Honda Center, marked the grand finale of the D23 Expo. This prestigious event is a tribute to individuals who have significantly contributed to the Disney legacy. Over the years, the hall of fame has honored luminaries such as Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White, and Oprah Winfrey.
Angela Bassett: A journey of three decades
Angela Bassett was celebrated for her extensive work with Disney, spanning three decades. Her notable contributions include her role in Touchstone’s What’s Love Got to Do With It, narration of National Geographic’s The Flood, and the Disney+ docuseries The Imagineering Story. Most recently, she received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Director Ryan Coogler, who introduced Bassett, reminisced about being inspired by her work as a child. “To see her and what she does is truly a gift,” he said, highlighting her leadership following the loss of lead actor Chadwick Boseman. Bassett, in her acceptance speech, expressed her gratitude, saying, “From day one in my pursuit of a career as an actress, I have understood that I am a part of something greater than myself.”
James Cameron: Pushing the boundaries of imagination
James Cameron, the visionary behind the Avatar franchise, was another honoree. Currently in post-production for the third installment and with plans for a fourth and fifth, Cameron’s work continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. His collaboration with National Geographic has also produced acclaimed documentaries like Secrets of the Whales and Secrets of the Elephants.
Kate Winslet, star of Cameron’s Titanic, appeared via video message, praising his relentless pursuit of greater heights. Zoe Saldana, who presented Cameron with his award, humorously thanked him for the “job security” provided by the long-running Avatar series. Cameron, in his speech, emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “As a storyteller who expresses through film, it’s not a solo act.”
Kelly Ripa: From soap operas to morning TV
Ryan Seacrest presented the Disney Legend award to his longtime co-host, Kelly Ripa. Ripa, who began her career on the soap opera All My Children and the sitcom Hope & Faith, is best known for her work on ABC’s Live, where she has been a fixture since 2001. Ripa’s acceptance speech was filled with humor and heartfelt thanks, particularly towards her husband, Mark Consuelos.
Honoring a diverse group of legends
The ceremony also honored a diverse group of individuals, including Jamie Lee Curtis, James L. Brooks, Harrison Ford, Frank Oz, John Williams, Miley Cyrus, costume designer Colleen Atwood, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, Marvel comic artist Steve Ditko, animator Mark Henn, and imagineer Joe Rohde.
Jamie Lee Curtis: A heartfelt tribute
Lindsay Lohan and Jodie Foster introduced Jamie Lee Curtis, who has had a storied career in both film and television. Curtis’s contributions to Disney include her roles in Freaky Friday and Halloween.
Miley Cyrus: A love letter to Hannah Montana
Miley Cyrus delivered an emotional tribute to her character, Hannah Montana, which catapulted her to stardom. Her speech was a nostalgic reflection on the impact the show had on her life and career.
Harrison Ford: An emotional acceptance
Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, gave an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his journey and the legacy he has built with Disney.
A night of memories and reflections
The Disney Legends ceremony was a night filled with memories, reflections, and heartfelt tributes. It was a celebration of the individuals who have shaped the Disney legacy and continue to inspire future generations. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the magic of Disney is not just in its stories, but in the people who bring those stories to life.
