WASHINGTON — Actor Michael J. Fox received a standing ovation as he presented the award for best picture at the 77th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 29 in 1991, used a wheelchair to get on stage and then stood at the podium to announce the winner of the night's last and biggest category.
The moment led to a standing ovation from the crowd for the "Back to the Future" and "Family Ties" star.
"Thank you very much. Five films are nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They're the best at what we do," Fox said. "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 a movie can change your day. It can change your outlook. It can sometimes even change your life."
He went on to announce "Oppenheimer" as the best picture winner at Britain's equivalent of the Oscars. It won the best film race against “Poor Things,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Holdovers.” Oppenheimer” also scooped trophies for director and actor, editing, cinematography and musical score.
In introducing Fox, BAFTAs host David Tennant called the 62-year-old a "true legend of cinema" and "the film star of the 1980s."
The "Back to the Future," "Family Ties" and "Spin City" star went public with his Parkinsons diagnosis in 1998.
Fox's foundation has raised more than $2 billion for research since it launched in 2000.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
