D23 Announces 2026 Disney Legends Award Honorees Disney has unveiled the list of recipients for the 2026 Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest honor, which will be presented during the final day of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California. The ceremony, scheduled for August 16, will be hosted by Emmy-winning television personality Ryan Seacrest and will feature tributes to the honorees, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Disney’s legacy. The event will be broadcast on Disney+ for global audiences. Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, emphasized the significance of the award, stating that the ceremony celebrates the visionaries who have shaped Disney’s creative identity. “Their impact is felt in everything we do,” he said, highlighting the connection between the honorees and the fans who cherish their work. The Disney Legends Awards, a tradition spanning 39 years, began in 1987 with Fred MacMurray’s recognition. To date, 329 individuals have been honored, including icons like Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, and Stan Lee. The 2026 honorees include Chris Berman, a pioneering sports broadcaster whose career began with ESPN in 1979. Berman played a pivotal role in defining ESPN’s early identity, covering major sporting events such as the NFL Draft, World Series, and Super Bowl. His work has become a cornerstone of sports broadcasting, blending expertise with a unique ability to connect with audiences. Jerry Bruckheimer, a legendary film and television producer, is another recipient. Known for blockbuster franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun, Bruckheimer’s career spans over 50 years, with films grossing nearly $15 billion globally.#ryan_seacrest #jerry_bruckheimer #josh_damaro #d23 #chris_berman
