Tonight, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, presented by Visa®, wraps up with the grandiose Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. This time-honored event, spanning a remarkable 37-year tradition, shines the spotlight on trailblazing artists and visionaries who have stretched the creative boundaries and shattered conventions. The 2024 Disney Legends honorees are a stellar lineup, including the likes of Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
In anticipation of D23, a few of this year’s Disney Legends—Atwood, Blanding, Curtis, Henn, Oz, Ripa, and Rohde—have shared intriguing insights in exclusive Q&As about what this honor means to them. Colleen Atwood, the first costume designer to receive this accolade, expressed her thrill, citing it as an acknowledgment of her dedication to the art of film. Martha Blanding, who started her journey as an hourly Cast Member at Disneyland, sees her award as proof that hard work and perseverance within the company can lead to legendary success.
Acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared her deep connection with Disneyland and her astonishment at achieving Legend status, particularly given her long history of successful collaborations with Disney. Animator Mark Henn felt a mix of excitement and humility upon receiving the honor, while filmmaking icon Frank Oz expressed his delight at remaining part of the Star Wars family.
Kelly Ripa described the recognition as surreal, emphasizing that she views her enduring career as the real gift. Finally, Joe Rohde, renowned for his work in Imagineering, humbly acknowledged the unexpected honor, attributing much of his success to the collaborative nature of Disney’s creative teams.
These heartfelt reflections highlight the profound impact and personal significance of being named a Disney Legend. As the curtains fall on another spectacular D23, the legacy of these legends continues to inspire new generations of Disney dreamers.
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Source: The Walt Disney Company
