On Sunday, March 2, Hollywood’s brightest stars will converge for one of the most anticipated events of the season: the Academy Awards. Over the past few months, those behind the year's biggest films have been promoting their work through press tours, exclusive interviews, and more. “For Your Consideration” billboards have urged audiences to head to theaters and experience films like Conclave, Wicked, Anora, The Brutalist, and others.
After a dramatic awards season, the votes have been counted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the trophies are polished, awaiting their new owners.
Related: ‘Wicked’ Movie Sparks Major Oscar Buzz Following Stellar Early Reviews
The Academy Awards will kick off at 7 p.m. ET, but unfortunately, one legendary actor scheduled to present will be unable to attend the event.
In a surprising turn of events this Oscar season, Disney Legend Harrison Ford has been forced to withdraw from his role as a presenter due to a painful diagnosis. With the Academy Awards set to begin at 7 p.m. ET tonight, the news has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a dazzling evening of celebration.
Harrison Ford, a revered actor whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, was scheduled to help kick off the night’s festivities. However, he recently received a diagnosis of shingles — a viral infection that causes a painful rash, blisters, and a host of other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, which can resurface later in life as this painful condition.
While the news is certainly distressing, reports from Entertainment Weekly confirm that Ford is “doing okay and resting,” even as he recovers away from the public eye.
Ford’s withdrawal is a significant loss for the Oscars, given his status as a Disney Legend — an honor he received in 2024 for his groundbreaking contributions to film and his enduring legacy in the Disney family. His absence is felt not only by fans, but also by his fellow Hollywood stars, who have expressed their support and well wishes.
Related: Harrison Ford Opens up About Disney’s Massive Loss on ‘Indiana Jones 5′
Despite this setback, the Academy Awards will continue as planned with an impressive lineup of presenters from the Disney realm. The list of presenters includes:
- Dave Bautista from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise
- Gal Gadot, set to appear in the upcoming Snow White (2025)
- Samuel L. Jackson of The Incredibles franchise
- Rachel Zegler, also featured in Snow White
- Zoe Saldaña from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise
- Emma Stone of Cruella (2021)
- Robert Downey Jr. from Marvel’s star-studded universe
- Whoopi Goldberg who voiced Shenzi the hyena in The Lion King franchise
These presenters will step in to ensure that the magic of the Oscars is not diminished. Their participation highlights the strength and unity within the Disney family and the entertainment industry at large, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Tonight’s Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast on both ABC and Hulu, promise to be a night filled with glamour, heartfelt tributes, and the celebration of cinematic excellence.
While Harrison Ford’s absence poignantly reminds us of the unpredictable nature of live events, it also underscores the importance of health and recovery—even for Hollywood’s most iconic figures.
We wish Harrison Ford a speedy recovery and hope he feels much better soon.
