Disney has unveiled the latest class of recipients for its highest internal honor, recognizing figures from across film, television, music, sports, and theme park innovation. According to an official announcement from The Walt Disney Company, the awards will be presented during the 2026 edition of D23, the studio’s flagship fan gathering in Anaheim.
A Cross-Industry Class Reflecting Disney’s Reach
The Disney Legends Awards ceremony is set for August 16, closing out this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event after three days of presentations and fan-focused programming. Veteran television host Ryan Seacrest is slated to return as emcee, continuing a role he has held at previous editions of the event. The ceremony will also be made available to global audiences via Disney+.
This year’s honorees span multiple corners of the company’s ecosystem. Performers such as Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Susan Egan, and Alan Tudyk are being recognized for their on-screen and voice work tied to Disney projects. In music, Jonas Brothers and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda are included for their contributions to Disney’s evolving sound.
Behind the scenes, the list extends to key creative and executive figures. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is among those honored for shaping blockbuster filmmaking under the Disney banner, while sports broadcaster Chris Berman is recognized for his longstanding influence through ESPN. Animation veteran Eric Goldberg and Imagineering leader Kim Irvine reflect the company’s emphasis on both artistic and experiential storytelling.
The recognition also extends to leadership, with former CEO Bob Iger included among the honorees after overseeing a period of significant expansion and brand consolidation for Disney. His tenure is closely associated with the company’s modern identity, spanning acquisitions, streaming growth, and franchise development.
Established in 1987, the Disney Legends program has grown into a long-running tradition that highlights individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on the company’s global footprint. With the 2026 additions, the total number of honorees continues to climb into the hundreds, placing this year’s class alongside past recipients such as Julie Andrews, Robert Downey Jr., and Oprah Winfrey, underscoring the breadth of influence the award aims to capture.
