Photo Credit:Getty Images / / Kevin Mazur
Miley Cyrus, the pop sensation who first captured hearts as the star of _Hannah Montana_, has reached another milestone in her career. At 31, Cyrus was named the youngest-ever Disney Legend, a prestigious honor she accepted with tears in her eyes and a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000 at the D23 fan expo on Sunday. Reflecting on her journey, Cyrus fondly recalled her early days on the Disney series, which began in 2005. "I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else," she said, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the show provided.
Standing before a captivated audience, Cyrus embraced her Disney roots, saying, "I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana. In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality." In a nod to her character, she concluded with a smile, "To quote the legend herself, 'This is the life.'"
Cyrus was among 14 distinguished artists honored as Disney Legends this year. The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, and others who have made significant contributions to the world of Disney.
Bob Iger, Disney's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of the Disney Legends Award, describing it as the company's highest honor. "It's presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude," Iger told the audience. "Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendousMcontributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe."
Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, also received the Disney Legend award and grew emotional during his acceptance speech. "I have the privilege of being a storyteller, an assistant storyteller," Ford said. "The stories are for you, about you, about us, our common humanity. To be able to work in that area is a privilege."
He humbly added, "I'm very honored to be in the company of the other people who are honored tonight. I'm very delighted and a little bit embarrassed by this, but I’m so very grateful."
The evening was a celebration of creativity, talent, and the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the Disney universe, with Cyrus standing proudly among them as the youngest to ever receive the honor.
Standing before a captivated audience, Cyrus embraced her Disney roots, saying, "I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana. In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality." In a nod to her character, she concluded with a smile, "To quote the legend herself, 'This is the life.'"
Cyrus was among 14 distinguished artists honored as Disney Legends this year. The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, and others who have made significant contributions to the world of Disney.
Bob Iger, Disney's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of the Disney Legends Award, describing it as the company's highest honor. "It's presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude," Iger told the audience. "Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendousMcontributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe."
Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, also received the Disney Legend award and grew emotional during his acceptance speech. "I have the privilege of being a storyteller, an assistant storyteller," Ford said. "The stories are for you, about you, about us, our common humanity. To be able to work in that area is a privilege."
He humbly added, "I'm very honored to be in the company of the other people who are honored tonight. I'm very delighted and a little bit embarrassed by this, but I’m so very grateful."
The evening was a celebration of creativity, talent, and the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the Disney universe, with Cyrus standing proudly among them as the youngest to ever receive the honor.
