Michael J Fox moved BAFTA viewers to tears on Sunday night as he took to the stage in a wheelchair to present Best Film to Oppenheimer. The actor, 62, who has battled Parkinson’s since 1991, was helped to the podium to announce that Best Film had been awarded to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, one of seven gongs for the epic.
After entering the stage in a wheelchair, Michael earned a standing ovation from stars including Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper and Barry Keoghan, who were in attendance at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The legendary Eighties film star was visibly touched by the reaction, as he supported himself on the podium to reveal the nominees and eventual winner. Watching from home, viewers were left in floods as tears as they hailed the star an ‘icon and inspiration.’
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans shared: ‘What an icon and inspiration Michael J Fox is. Nobody quite like it and so deserving of that standing ovation #BAFTAs’;
‘Michael J. Fox omg #BAFTAs’; ‘STOP IT BAFTA IM IN TEARS THE MOMENT MICHAEL J FOX CAME ON TO THE STAGE I WAS IN FLOODS OF TEARS THE MAN IS A LEGEND #BAFTAs #BAFTA2024 #EEBAFTAs #MichaelJFox’;
‘I hope folk saw what Michael J Fox did there #BAFTAs . He entered stage in a wheelchair, walked to podium where he stood to present an award, then left stage in wheelchair. Hopefully silencing anyone who thinks those who stand or walk whilst using a wheelchair are “at it”.’;
‘Michael J Fox presenting at the BAFTA’s.’; ‘The world really needs more disabled people represented in prominent positions, and Fox does a fantastic job.’; ‘Happy to see Michael J. Fox just won the whole BAFTAs #EEBAFTAs ❤️’;
‘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’;
‘What an unbelievably moving ovation for #MichaelJFox. Not going to lie, a very tough watch.’; ‘Seeing Michael J. Fox on stage at the @BAFTA Awards has had me in floods of tears after my dad sadly lost his battle with Parkinson’s . Michael you are a legend ! Thank you❤️’
‘My eyes well up every time I see Michael J Fox. What an absolute hero that man is. #BAFTAs’; ‘That standing ovation for Michael J Fox has broken me.’ The Back To The Future star previously walked the red carpet with his glamorous wife Tracy Pollan.