Michael J. Fox has been etched into the minds of many people who grew up in the 80s and 90s. His role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy has become an iconic one. Fans continue to cite dialogues and recreate scenes from the films even to this day. However, the actor was hit by a personal tragedy in the 90s that limited his acting work.
Fox has struggled with Parkinson’s disease for the majority of his life. Despite that, the actor managed to make an appearance at the recent BAFTA awards. Many celebrities including football star David Beckham got a chance to meet the actor and have a memorable time at the awards ceremony.
David Beckham Got Starstruck Meeting Michael J. Fox at the BAFTAs
The 2024 BAFTAs were recently held and many A-list Hollywood celebrities graced the awards ceremony and made it a memorable night. Many acclaimed films of 2023 were awarded in various categories, The crowd was surprised when Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox made an appearance as an awards presenter for Best Film.
The actor who has Parkinson’s disease came out in a wheelchair and even managed to walk up to the podium, receiving a round of applause from the audience. English football star David Beckham was also present at the ceremony and got to meet one of his screen idols as he posted on Instagram about it. The footballer revealed that he was incredibly starstruck to meet Fox. He wrote,
“I cannot believe I got to meet Michael J Fox and also a little starstruck to meet so many talented people that I’ve watched on the big screen at @bafta tonight…”
The footballer again posted a photo of him and Fox on his Instagram stories saying “Sorry have to post again I haven’t been this starstruck in a while” (via People). Fox presented the Best Film Award to Oppenheimer during the event.
Ever since the release of his acclaimed documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, people have celebrated his life and how he has dealt with Parkinson’s disease. His appearance at the event made it clear that his love of films and his fellow actors has not faded away.
Michael J. Fox’s Speech at the BAFTAs Wins Hearts of Audiences
Michael J. Fox made a surprise appearance at the 2024 BAFTAs where he was an awards presenter for Best Film. Before announcing the winner of the category, the actor talked about the importance of films and how they can change lives. He praised the five films that were nominated in the category for showing the power of films.
The actor further stated that films bring people together regardless of class, race, or ethnicity. He even claimed that it can change someone’s outlook towards life. His speech won the audience’s hearts and received a round of applause from those in attendance at the awards ceremony. He said, (via YouTube)
“Thank you very much. Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do. No matter who you are or where you’re from, these films can bring us together. There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day. It can change your outlook. Sometimes it can change your life.”
His appearance was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the ceremony and audiences were indeed very happy to see one of their on-screen heroes that they have grown up watching. Fans can watch his inspirational documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie on Apple TV+.
