Michael J Fox received a standing ovation as he made an appearance on stage at the BAFTAs in London on Sunday.
The Canadian-born actor, 62, who is battling Parkinson’s, arrived on stage in a wheelchair to present Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer with the Best Film award.
The Back to the Future star also walked the red carpet with with his wife Tracy Pollan, who he married back in 1988.
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“Thank you very much. Five films are nominated in this category tonight. All five have something in common. They are the best at what we do. No matter who you are or where you’re from, these films can bring us together,” he said once the applause died down.
“There’s a reason why they say movies are magic, because movies can change your day. They can change your outlook, they can sometimes even change your life. The nominees are…”
Oppenheimer ended up taking home an impressive seven gongs – including best lead actor for Cillian Murphy.
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The star’s film Still: A Michael J Fox Story was also nominated for the Documentary prize, but missed out on the accolade.
In April, Fox spoke candidly about his battle with Parkinson’s and how it affects his view on mortality.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings, Fox, 61, shared: “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s. So I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it.”
“I’m not gonna be 80,” he said bluntly, adding that Parkinson’s is “banging on the door”.
He shared the numerous injuries and conditions he has suffered from, with the disease making him vulnerable.
“I had spinal surgery. I had a tumour on my spine. And it was benign, but it messed up my walking. And then, started to break stuff,’ he shared, before revealing he has broken both arms, an elbow, his face, his hand, and more.
“It’s falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia. All these subtle ways that get ya,” the Back To The Future actor explained.
“I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher. Every day it’s tougher.”
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that “causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination,” according to National Insititute for Health.
The condition causes strain on the body, leaving those with it more vulnerable to serious and life-threatening infections.
Fox has had Parkinson’s since he was 29, being diagnosed early in 1991. He eventually retired from acting in 2020 as his symptoms worsened.
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