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
Lewis Hamilton to Miss Oscars Despite 'F1' Movie Nominations for Chinese GP Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he will miss the Oscars ceremony on Sunday due to his commitment to the Chinese Grand Prix, despite the film F1 securing four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Visual Effects. The Mercedes driver, who co-produced and cameoed in the movie, explained that the logistical challenges of traveling from Shanghai to Los Angeles made it impossible to attend the ceremony on time. Hamilton, a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver, collaborated closely with director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer on the film. He provided input on the script and participated in a driving session with lead actor Brad Pitt. The project, which aims to showcase Formula One’s high-speed action, has generated significant global attention. The Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, requires Hamilton to remain in Shanghai, where the 12.5-hour flight to Los Angeles would leave him arriving just 30 minutes before the Oscars begin. Even accounting for the 15-hour time zone difference, the race’s three-hour window for start times—allowing for potential delays—still leaves no room for a timely arrival. “I think it’s impossible,” Hamilton said Thursday. “I’ve looked at every way to get there in time, but unfortunately I can’t get there. But I’ll FaceTime with Joe and Jerry when they’re there, which will be cool.” Hamilton expressed pride in the film’s recognition, noting that he never anticipated such widespread acclaim. “It’s amazing to see how much promotion there is around the world, to see the buzz, to see new people getting excited for the sport, in the way that so many of us were growing up. It’s really great to see that expanding.#lewis_hamilton #f1_movie #scuderia_ferrari_hp #joseph_kosinski #jerry_bruckheimer
