Iger's Disney Legend Moment: Ex-CEO Celebrates Award and New Leadership at D23
At Disney's D23 fan event, former CEO Bob Iger received the Disney Legends award, joining a class that included Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson. In his acceptance speech, Iger humorously compared himself to fellow honorees and expressed pride in his successor, Josh D'Amaro, who now leads the company. The ceremony also highlighted Iger's recent involvement in a bid to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers.
The ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of presenters for Iger, including Al Michaels, Diane Sawyer, Ellen Pompeo, Robert Downey Jr., and Harrison Ford. He was the final honoree of the night at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
In his remarks, Iger playfully ribbed fellow honorees Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne Johnson, joking about his own perceived lack of talent, stiffness, and small stature. He also referenced his 20-year tenure as CEO and his memoir, "The Ride of a Lifetime," while expressing gratitude to the company's cast members.
This celebration could signal a stabilizing transition for Disney, reassuring investors and fans about the creative stewardship under Josh D'Amaro. Iger's simultaneous involvement in the Lakers bid may elevate his influence in sports and business, potentially reshaping how entertainment conglomerates intersect with professional athletics. The event may also reinforce Disney's enduring cultural pull, reminding audiences of its legacy while highlighting the celebrity-driven nature of modern corporate leadership.