In uplifting news, it’s been announced that legendary actor Michael J. Fox, best known for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy (as well as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties), will be receiving an honorary Oscar at the Governor’s Awards later this year.
As reported by CNN Entertainment, the winners of these awards are decided by The Academy’s board of governors, who choose people based on their “indelible contributions to cinema and the world at large”, and there’s no doubt that Fox is deserving.
Take a look at Fox discussing his non-profit Parkinson's research foundation below.
The award he will be receiving is the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000 - a non-profit organisation which aims to find a cure for the disease, and develop therapies for those living with it. Needless to say, outside of his on-screen work in movies and on TV, Fox has been doing invaluable work for society as a whole.
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“Fox’s tireless advocacy of research on Parkinson’s disease alongside his boundless optimism exemplifies the impact of one person in changing the future for millions,” Academy president David Rubin said.
Despite his many iconic silver screen roles, Fox has never been awarded an Oscar before, although he has been nominated for (and won) a huge amount of others, including four Golden Globes for ‘Best Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical’ (one for Family Ties and three for Spin City), and the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for ‘Favourite Movie Actor’, for his role in Back to the Future Part II (thanks, Wikipedia).
Speaking of Back to the Future, if you’re a die-hard fan of the series, you might just want to keep your eyes peeled for a brand new DeLorean model, which is set to begin production in the next couple of years. The new electric car features two gullwing doors, just like the classic one we all know and love, and was announced late last month. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a time travel function, but it can go from 0-88mph in 4.35 seconds. Just so you know.
Featured Image Credit: Universal PicturesTopics: TV And Film