The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony concluded the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim this weekend. The sold-out arena event served as the grand finale for the multi-day gathering, recognizing 11 individuals who have made a significant impact on the company’s enduring legacy across film, television, sports, and theme park experiences.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the ceremony featured a series of tributes, musical performances, and surprise guest appearances. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro opened the event, emphasizing the timeless nature of the studio’s storytelling and the innovation brought forth by the honorees. The 2026 class of inductees includes Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk.
This annual recognition highlights why these specific figures remain vital to the studio’s identity. By honoring both the creative visionaries behind the camera and the performers who bring these stories to life, Disney reinforces its connection to the fan base that has supported these franchises for decades. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the collaborative effort required to maintain the brand’s cultural footprint in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
A Celebration of Iconic Talent
The ceremony featured personalized tributes for each honoree. Lin-Manuel Miranda was celebrated with a musical medley of his work on projects like Moana and Encanto, while Alan Tudyk received recognition for his extensive voice work in films such as Zootopia and Frozen. Other highlights included a performance by the pop group KATSEYE honoring Susan Egan, and a tribute to Eric Goldberg, the animator behind the Genie in Aladdin, which featured the Disneyland Band.
Sports broadcasting veteran Chris Berman was honored for his career, with tributes from figures like Peyton Manning and Steve Young. Meanwhile, producer Jerry Bruckheimer was recognized by Orlando Bloom for his contributions to major cinematic franchises. The event also highlighted the work of Kim Irvine in Disney Parks and the long-standing contributions of Anne Hathaway, who was presented with her award by director David Frankel.
Watching the Ceremony
For fans who were unable to attend the event in person, the company confirmed that the full ceremony will be available to stream on Disney+. This allows a wider audience to experience the tributes and performances that defined the final day of the convention. The 2026 D23 event continues to be a major touchpoint for the studio, providing a platform to celebrate its history while looking toward future projects. By bringing together such a diverse group of honorees, the company underscores the breadth of its influence across multiple sectors of the entertainment industry.
Source: D23.com
