Michael J Fox praised for appearing at the Baftas: ‘What an absolute hero that man is’

What Did You Miss?

The EE Bafta Film Awards welcomed Michael J Fox to the podium to present the Best Film Award.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 33 years ago, the retired Back to the Future actor was wheeled onto the stage by an assistant before standing up to address the glitzy crowd.

As Fox’s surprise cameo aired on BBC One – leading to yet another victory for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, its seventh of the ceremony – viewers were overcome with emotion on social platform X.

David Beckham meets the Back to the Future legend backstage. (Carlo Paloni/BAFTA via Getty Images)

What, how and why?

Due to his ill health, Fox rarely makes public appearances, so it was no shock to see the whole of Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on its feet to applaud his efforts, including Saltburn star Barry Keoghan and Barbie’s Ryan Gosling.

“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,” he said before announcing the Best Film Award nominees.

They were Oppenheimer, Poor Things, The Holdovers, Anatomy of a Fall, and Killers of the Flower Moon.

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer won the Best Film Award. (Universal)

How did Baftas viewers respond on social media?

It was a case of universal love for the 62-year-old, who founded the Michael J Fox Foundation in 2000 to help fund Parkinson’s research.

“What an icon and inspiration Michael J Fox is. Nobody quite like it and so deserving of that standing ovation #BAFTAs” and “Michael J Fox is an incredibly brave man and a beautiful soul. Seeing him present the final award at the #BAFTAs was testament to his resilience and courage… and to the enduring power of film and acting,” read just two of the reactions.

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Watch: Michael J Fox receives standing ovation as he presents Baftas 2024 award