Michael J. Fox has always had a way of leaving his audiences baffled, and it wasn’t just by the gigs he performed onscreen but also through his incredible personality and behavior. While his masterpieces like the critically acclaimed Back to the Future saga continue to be proof of this claim throughout the years, the retired actor reminded everyone of the same at the BAFTAs 2024 as well.
At the recently held British Academy Film Awards 2024 (aka BAFTAs 2024), Fox left everyone absolutely stunned as he claimed the stage to present the awards for Best Film. But what made the audiences even more emotional than the extremes to which he went to present the award was the emotional speech Michael J. Fox delivered during the same.
Michael J. Fox gave an Overwhelmingly Emotional Speech at the BAFTAs 2024
The EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 were recently held on the 18th of February, 2024, marking the 77th BAFTA awards ceremony. During this event, Michael J. Fox was presented with the offer to present the accolade for Best Film.
And so he did and was equally appreciated for the same through the standing ovation he received from every single person present in the audience when he entered the stage in his wheelchair.
Taking the stage at the ceremony, not only did the Back to the Future star present the award, but he even delivered an overwhelmingly emotional speech during the same that pretty much left everyone in tears. Here’s what he said (via Daily Mail):
“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.”
Continuing, he further emphasized the importance of movies, all the while making it evident that irrespective of whichever project ends up bagging the accolade, it would not make the other movies any less star-studded. He said:
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day. It can change your outlook. Sometimes it can even change your life.”
While this speech was heartwarming enough to make even the mountains crumble, what was even more was that Michael J. Fox didn’t present it while sitting in the wheelchair he was brought onstage in, but rather, by standing up and taking the podium.
For those who don’t know, Fox, who is notably 62 now, had been diagnosed with the Parkinsons disease back in 1991, when he was only 29. This is why standing and presenting the award wasn’t an easy task for him, and yet, he did it, only further proving just how legendary of a person he is.
BAFTA Audience Weren’t The Only Ones Left In Tears By Michael J. Fox
While the audience consisting of actors, directors, performers, and all others were left in tears at the mere presence of Michael J. Fox, his heartwarming gesture of standing up and delivering that emotional speech further left the entire audience overwhelmed and in tears.
And yet, the audience present live at the event weren’t the only ones who were so deeply moved by Fox at the star-studded event: This was followed by multiple fans who took to X to share just how much the legendary star made them cry through his mere appearance.
#BAFTA2024 #MichaelJFox was better than them all! #BAFTA
— Proudly woke, proudly kind, proudly left! (@DavidWa53158736) February 19, 2024
Not one for awards and awards shows but wow the Michael J Fox clip at the BAFTA’s I’ve just watched is so lovely.
— robin 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 (she/her) (@MsRobinHosking) February 19, 2024
Just watched Michael J Fox presenting the BAFTA pic.twitter.com/DdLqzy5LkG
— Complete Control PR (@pollybirkbeck) February 19, 2024
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 #MichaelJFoxpic.twitter.com/9mLEpVxJoW
— Cricket Freak (@sharma99vishu) February 19, 2024
Oh, goodness. Michael J. Fox presenting Best Picture at the @BAFTA s! #MichaelJFox
Look how happy he looks to be there, & how happy the audience is to see him!
Thank you for your work & courage, Michael! @MichaelJFoxOrg #BAFTA2024 https://t.co/3PcXPFBkuZ
— Pleasant Meadow ✏ (@Pleasant_Meadow) February 19, 2024
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❤️pic.twitter.com/ITzV71XvQW
— Matthew Ashton (@matthew__ashton) February 18, 2024
Who's cutting onions 🥺 Michael J Fox presenting a BAFTA tonight and receiving a standing ovation. What a legend #BAFTAs
— katkrupp (@KruppKathryn) February 18, 2024
Watching Michael J Fox at the BAFTA’s#BAFTAs #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/S4BUAuncWZ
— Robert keyamo utdkid (@RKeyamo) February 18, 2024
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 pic.twitter.com/dZzQY3IZun
— BrightLightGames (@BrightLitegames) February 18, 2024
For what it’s worth, Michael J. Fox may have retired because of his disease, but he will continue to reside in everyone’s hearts as one of the best personalities of all time.
