Bafta Michael J Fox: Back to the Future star makes surprise appearance at EE Bafta film awards - what did Michael J Fox say?

The Back to the Future star received a standing ovation when he appeared at the EE Bafta film awards

Canadian-American actor Michael J Fox received a standing ovation after making a surprise appearance at the EE Bafta film awards.

The Back To The Future film series star was described as a “true legend of cinema” by David Tennant, who introduced Fox on to the stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Fox presented the best film award, which was won by Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

Canadian actor Michael J Fox (left) and his wife US actress Tracy Pollan pose on the red carpet upon arrival at the Bafta British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

He was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from the audience as he came on stage in a wheelchair, but stood at the podium.

The 62-year-old activist and former Hollywood actor – who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease a year after Back To The Future Part III was released in 1990 – described films as “magic” which can “change your life”.

Presenting the prize, he said: “Five films were nominated in this category tonight and all five have something in common. They are the best of what we do.

“No matter who you are or where you’re from, these films can bring us together. There’s a reason why they say movies are magic because movies can change your day.

“It can change your outlook. Sometimes it can change your life.”

Fox founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which has raised more than $2 billion (£1.58bn), CBS News reported in November.

He was honoured at the Governors Awards in 2022 with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar recognising outstanding philanthropic efforts.