During the spectacular 2024 Disney Legends Award Ceremony at D23, which wrapped up the historic D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event weekend, The Walt Disney Company celebrated 14 new Disney Legends who have made a lasting impact on its legacy. The 2024 honorees included Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams. As a Disney fan, I had the incredible opportunity to attend this unforgettable night, which was nothing short of magical.
In a grand spectacle hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this year’s Disney Legends Awards reached an unprecedented scale, marking the most significant ceremony in its 37-year history. The event, with all the flair of a Hollywood production, took the celebration of Disney magic to new levels. For the first time, fans will be able to stream the entire ceremony on Disney+ starting Monday, August 12 at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET. Disney CEO Bob Iger opened the event, reflecting on the deep historical importance of the award.
Iger described the Disney Legends Award as the highest honor the company bestows, stating, “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 celebrated with a special video tribute and surprise guest appearances, featuring popular film, television, and music stars, devoted Disney cast members, and major musical ensemble performances.
2024 Disney Legends Award Presentations: Celebrating Icons of Magic and Legacy
Harrison Ford received a special tribute from Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, who praised Ford’s unparalleled versatility and the legendary characters he’s brought to life, saying, “He’s the epitome of a leading man, truly in a league of his own.”
A tribute video dedicated to Ford featured reflections from industry giants and co-stars alike, including Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Karen Allen, Adam Driver, Anthony Mackie, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Daisy Ridley, Ke Huy Quan, and Disney Legend George Lucas.
Jamie Lee Curtis received a heartfelt on-stage tribute from her close friend Jodie Foster and Freaky Friday co-star Lindsay Lohan. Lohan highlighted Curtis’s versatility, saying, “She brings something unique to every role she takes on.” Foster chimed in, describing Curtis as “inventive, fearless, and always full of surprises.”
A tribute video for Curtis featured reflections from James Cameron, a fellow Disney Legend, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Kelly Ripa took the stage to receive her award, with Ryan Seacrest delivering a heartfelt tribute. As he presented the honor to his longtime friend and former co-host from Live, Seacrest praised her, saying, “You truly are the definition of a Legend.” In addition to the live presentation, Seacrest appeared in a tribute video for Ripa, joined by her current Live with Kelly and Mark co-host, Mark Consuelos.
Martha Blanding was celebrated with a special event that featured a standout performance from Derek Hough and a lively rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Disneyland Resort’s The Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band. Hough praised Blanding’s significant influence on Disneyland guests, declaring, “She’s a key part of what makes Disneyland the happiest place on Earth.” The tribute also included a touching video with remarks from notable figures such as Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Tim O’Day, Noah Elias, and contributions from Walt Disney Company staff and cast members Jada Young, Clark Jones, Chris Sheppard, and Michelle Harker.
James L. Brooks was honored with a unique celebration, which featured an animated video starring characters from The Simpsons and a lively presentation by Danny DeVito. On stage, DeVito hailed Brooks as a visionary, saying, “Jim is a genius. He creates moments that are so funny, sad, and eloquent — unique windows into the human condition.” The tribute video, which highlighted Brooks’ impact, included heartfelt messages from the voice actors of The Simpsons: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith.
Colleen Atwood received a distinguished tribute featuring a special on-stage presentation by director Rob Marshall. Marshall highlighted Atwood’s unique achievement as the first costume designer to be named a Disney Legend, remarking, “Simply put, there is just no one like her.” The tribute video that followed showcased heartfelt messages from a range of stars, including Marshall, Colin Farrell, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Melissa McCarthy, James Bobin, Jonah Hauer-King, Halle Bailey, and Eva Green.
Frank Oz was celebrated with a memorable on-stage presentation by Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter. Docter highlighted Oz’s extraordinary contributions to entertainment, declaring, “Frank has truly created some of the best characters in the history of entertainment.” The tribute video in honor of Oz also featured insights from Disney Legend Mark Hamill, Robert De Niro, and Disney Legend Steve Martin.
Miley Cyrus was honored with a special on-stage presentation and performance by Lainey Wilson. Wilson delivered a rendition of “Best of Both Worlds,” the iconic song famously associated with Cyrus from Hannah Montana. The tribute video celebrating Cyrus included commentary from John Travolta, Bret Michaels, and Chappell Roan.
Steve Ditko was honored in a special ceremony where Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige presented a posthumous award to Ditko’s nephew, Mark Ditko. Feige lauded Ditko’s monumental contributions, stating, “Steve Ditko was an incredible artist and creator, and one of the original architects of the Marvel Universe.” The tribute video celebrating Ditko’s legacy included heartfelt remarks from Feige, Disney Legend Stan Lee, and Marvel’s creative team, including C.B. Cebulski, Tom DeFalco, Ralph Macchio, David Bogart, and Ryan Meinerding.
Mark Henn was celebrated with a special on-stage presentation by Disney Legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Linda Larkin, Ming-Na Wen, and Anika Noni Rose. For over four decades, Henn was instrumental in animating and creating some of the most beloved characters in Walt Disney Animation Studios history, including Tiana, Mulan, Young Simba, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse. The tribute video honoring Henn featured remarks from Tony Bancroft, John Musker, David Block, and Rachel Bibb.
Joe Rohde was honored with a special celebration that included a touching video message from Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, and an invigorating performance by the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe from Walt Disney World Resort. In her message, Goodall commended Rohde, saying, “You’ve contributed so much to the success and reputation of Disney’s theme parks over the years and given so many people an exciting and wonderful day.”
The tribute video showcased heartfelt comments from Goodall, Disney Legend James Cameron, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn, and several creative partners from Walt Disney Imagineering, including Jeanette Lomboy, Carmen Smith, Zsolt Hormay, Emily O’Brien, Jennifer Gerstin, and Mark LaVine. The event also featured a lively performance by the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, who brought a taste of the Congo to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with band member Amadou Ndaw presenting Rohde with his award.
James Cameron was celebrated with a memorable event that featured a special video message from Kate Winslet and a live award presentation by Zoë Saldaña. Winslet, in her video, highlighted Cameron’s groundbreaking impact on filmmaking, saying, “You’ve revolutionized the filmmaking process too many times to count, developing cutting-edge technology to create an immersive and realistic experience for the audience.” Saldaña, reflecting on their extensive collaboration that will span over 16 years by the release of Avatar 3 in 2025, shared, “Working with you has been a wild ride. Your passion, dedication, and meticulous eye for detail are unparalleled.” The tribute video dedicated to Cameron also included reflections from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet.
Angela Bassett was honored with a special on-stage presentation by Ryan Coogler and the Dora Milaje from Marvel’s Black Panther. Coogler praised Bassett’s remarkable legacy, stating, “She has always delivered these incredible larger-than-life performances that somehow still feel incredibly real and tangible. What she does is truly a gift.” The tribute video celebrating Bassett included commentary from Coogler and Courtney B. Vance.
John Williams was celebrated with a special ceremony featuring an on-stage presentation by Disney Legend Harrison Ford and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, followed by a captivating performance of his most iconic film scores by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Ford highlighted Williams’ extraordinary talent, stating, “For over half a century, every time John Williams composes a new score, he manages to infuse the films’ stories and characters with a timeless and essential quality. John is truly a storyteller.” Kennedy praised Williams as well, noting, “It’s not an exaggeration to call John Williams the greatest film composer of all time. His music has gone beyond the realm of cinema, becoming a significant part of global culture and touching the hearts of billions, both young and old.” The tribute video in honor of Williams featured insights from Ford, Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Disney Legend Mark Hamill, Ke Huy Quan, Daisy Ridley, and George Lucas.
The Disney Legends Awards, a celebrated tradition of The Walt Disney Company for the past 37 years, began with the tribute to Fred MacMurray in 1987. This year’s event brings the count of Disney Legends to 318, with previous honorees including a remarkable array of stars like 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.
The weekend’s festivities culminated in an unforgettable Awards Ceremony that left Disney fans with memories to cherish. Following two nights of high-energy showcases with exciting performances and major announcements from Disney Entertainment and Disney Experiences, the event provided tens of thousands of fans from around the world with a dazzling array of programming and experiences. The grand finale featured the largest show floor in D23 history, allowing fans to connect with their favorite Disney stories, characters, and brands in ways never seen before.
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