Fall / Winter 2022 | In the News 23
And the Oscar Goes to …
Michael J . Fox to Receive Academy ’ s Humanitarian Award
Among the many distinguished titles Michael J . Fox holds — iconic actor , bestselling author , Parkinson ’ s advocate — is a new one coming this fall : Oscar Award winner . On November 19 , during the 13th Governors Awards , the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor Michael with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award . Each year , this honorary Oscar statuette is given to “ an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry .”
In 1998 , Michael set off a cascade of events that would leave an enduring mark on the field of Parkinson ’ s . It was that year he disclosed his diagnosis to the world and committed to doing all he could to speed research . Only two years later he would open the doors of The Michael J . Fox
Foundation and work to galvanize patients , families and researchers to partner together to end PD . And today , more than two decades since its inception , the Foundation crosses more than $ 1.5 billion in global research funded — a milestone bigger than Michael himself admits he ever thought possible .
With his characteristic humility , Michael has always deflected any praise and credits the Parkinson ’ s community with the enormous advancements made in understanding the disease and progress toward a cure . Yet , he is the catalyst who helps us to see the power we each hold to help end this disease . His ability to stir the humanitarian instinct in each of us might be his greatest contribution and is worthy of this prodigious Oscars honor .
Please join us in congratulating Michael . And stay tuned to michaeljfox . org for more on where to watch the ceremony .