MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Walt Disney Company honored 14 new Disney Legends who have left an indelible mark on the company’s historic legacy during an over-the-top ceremony that capped off a historic “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” weekend.
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.
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. And for the first time ever, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning Monday, August 12 at 2:00 pm PT/5:00 pm ET (August 13, 5:00 am PHT).
“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor our company bestows,” Disney CEO Bob 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 with a video tribute and surprise guest appearances, including popular film, television, and music stars, devoted Disney cast members, and major musical ensemble performances.
- Harrison Ford: Speaking to Ford’s immense range and the iconic characters he originated, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger noted, “He is the definition of the leading man, who stands alone in a category all his own.”
- Jamie Lee Curtis: From the stage, Freakier Friday co-star Lindsay Lohan said, “Every character she plays is different, and she always brings something unique to the role.” Her best friend Jodie Foster added, “She is inventive, fearless, and full of surprises.”
- Kelly Ripa: While presenting the award to his longtime friend and former “Live” co-host, Ryan Seacrest said, “You truly are the definition of a Legend.”
- Martha Blanding: Derek Houghspoke to Martha’s profound impact on every Disneyland guest she encounters: “She is a part of the foundation that makes Disneyland the happiest place on Earth.”
- James L. Brooks: From the stage, Danny DeVito said, “Jim is a genius. He creates moments that are so funny, sad, and eloquent — unique windows into the human condition.”
- Colleen Atwood: Director Rob Marshall commented that Atwood is the first costume designer to be honored as a Disney Legend, saying, “Simply put, there is just no one like her.”
- Frank Oz: Speaking about his friend, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter commented on Oz’s incredible career from the stage, “Frank has truly created some of the best characters in the history of entertainment.”
- Miley Cyrus: Lainey Wilson performed “Best of Both Worlds,” the iconic song made famous by Cyrus from Hannah Montana.
- Steve Ditko: On Steve Ditko’s impact, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said, “Steve Ditko was an incredible artist and creator, and one of the original architects of the Marvel Universe.”
- Mark Henn: For over 40 years, Mark helped create or animate some of the most timeless characters in Walt Disney Animation Studios history, including Tiana, Mulan, Young Simba, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse.
- Joe Rohde: In her video, Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE said of Rohde, “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.”
- James Cameron: Kate Winslet said in her video to Cameron, “You’ve revolutionized the filmmaking process too many times to count, developing cutting-edge technology to create an immersive realistic experience for the audience.”
Zoë Saldaña, who will have worked with Cameron for over 16 years when Avatar 3 releases in 2025, said, “Working with you has been a wild ride. Your passion, your dedication, and your eye for detail are truly unmatched.” - Angela Bassett: Ryan Coogler praised Angela’s profound legacy, saying, “She [has] always given these incredible larger-than-life performances that somehow still feel incredibly real and tangent. What she does is truly a gift.”
- John Williams: Fellow Disney Legend Harrison Ford said, “For over half a century, each and every time John Williams composes a new score, he finds a way to imbue the films’ stories and characters with a timeless and essential quality. That’s because John is a storyteller.”
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy added, “It’s no exaggeration to say that John Williams is the greatest film composer of all time. His music has transcended cinema and become a part of our global culture, touching the hearts of billions, both young and old.”
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.
The Sunday festivities followed two nights of marquee showcases with exciting performances and announcements from Disney Entertainment and Disney Experiences including star-studded appearances and the largest show floor in D23 history.
