We were on hand at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim as Disney announced the 2026 class of Disney Legends, honoring 11 individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the company’s legacy.
The Disney Legends Award ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. PT at Honda Center in Anaheim. The event marks the final day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which runs August 14-16, 2026. Ryan Seacrest will return as host, and the ceremony will be available to stream on Disney+.
2026 Disney Legends Honorees
“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at what’s coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today,” said Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “It’s an honor to celebrate our Disney Legends – their impact is felt in everything we do and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.”
This year’s honorees span entertainment, animation, music, sports, leadership, and Imagineering:
Bob Iger
Former Chairman and CEO who led Disney for two decades, overseeing the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, plus the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Dwayne Johnson
Actor who voiced Maui in Moana (2016) and Moana 2, and will star in the upcoming live-action Moana.
Anne Hathaway
Actress who starred as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries films and the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland.
The Jonas Brothers
Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas, who starred in Camp Rock and the JONAS series, with Camp Rock 3 currently in development.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Songwriter who wrote music for Moana, Encanto, and The Little Mermaid live-action, plus starred in Mary Poppins Returns.
Jerry Bruckheimer
Producer behind the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, whose films have grossed nearly $15 billion globally.
Susan Egan
Original Belle on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, and the voice of Megara in Hercules.
Eric Goldberg
Animator who designed and animated Genie in Aladdin, directed segments of Fantasia/2000, and led animation on Once Upon a Studio.
Alan Tudyk
Voice actor who has appeared in every Disney animated film since Wreck-It Ralph (2012), voicing characters including King Candy, Heihei, and Duke Weaselton.
Kim Irvine
Imagineer who served as Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering for 55 years, overseeing Disneyland Resort projects.
Chris Berman
ESPN broadcaster who helped shape the network from its inception in 1979, earning six National Sportscaster of the Year awards.
About the Disney Legends Award
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 39-year tradition that began when Fred MacMurray was honored in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, 329 Disney Legends have been named. Past honorees include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, James Cameron, Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford, George Lucas, Steve Jobs, Stan Lee, and Robin Williams.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes place August 14-16, 2026 at Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center.
Source: D23
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