Bob Iger is having a big week.
Just days after it was revealed that the former Disney CEO was joining investor Joshua Kushner to buy the Los Angeles Lakers, Iger was honored as a Disney Legend at the company’s D23 fan event on Sunday. He joined a class that included Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Tudyk, in a ceremony at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
A number of big names also came out to support the exec, with Al Michaels, Diane Sawyer, Ellen Pompeo, Robert Downey Jr. and Harrison Ford all on hand to present Iger with the final award of the night.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of giving this award out to dozens and dozens of truly worthy people, unbelievably talented people who contributed so much to this company, and so it is an incredible honor for me to receive that same award, particularly with this unbelievable class,” Iger told the crowd. “And I must say, following you up here is a little rough — Lin you make me feel talentless, Anne you make me feel stiff, Dwayne you make me feel small. I was going to ask if I could hold the Legends Trophy, but my biceps couldn’t handle it.”
He joked that even though the years of giving out the Legends awards were fun, “getting one, it’s even fun.” Iger also took a moment to address new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro — who has been holding court at D23 events all weekend — saying, “Josh, you’re wearing that title really well, and I am so proud to call you my successor.”
Later in his speech, Iger noted, “Having the privilege of entertaining the world the way Disney does is quite a unique experience in life and a lot of responsibility. To have the ability just to make the world a better place is truly an exceptional life experience, and obviously, I am unbelievably grateful to have had that experience.” He went on to thank the company’s talent for their years of partnership as well as “the thousands and thousands of cast members who make this company really what it is.”
In closing, Iger reflected on how “20 years ago, I was named CEO of this remarkable company, and I must say, no pun intended, it was a ride of a lifetime,” referencing his memoir of the same name. “Today is a vivid reminder of just what a wonderful ride that was. From the bottom of my heart, to all of you: to our audiences, to our subscribers, to our moviegoers, to our park guests, to our D23 members. Thank you very much.”
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