He made sure to credit those who helped shape his path. “None of this happened on my own. Thank you, George Lucas. Thank you, Steven Spielberg.” He also honored two late mentors, saying, “Fred Roos, casting director and producer for Francis Ford Coppola. And my manager for 30 years, Pat McQueeney.”
A wide view of the ceremony hall shows the stage illuminated as Harrison Ford is honored with the Life Achievement Award.. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“They were both incredibly persistent in their support of me at a time when I really needed it. I would not be here without them. They’re no longer with us, but it feels important that I thank them now. I feel them here tonight. They would be happy for me.” Then, just when the applause settled, Ford peeled back another layer of his story.
Harrison Ford pays tribute to those who help-ed shape his path to success. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Then the speech turned inward. “In my third year of college, I was a little lost. I was failing at school. I felt isolated and alone. And then I found a company of people putting on plays, storytellers,” Ford said.
Harrison Ford becomes emotional as he continues to give his speech at the event. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
“People I once thought were misfits and geeks turned out to be my people.” He described discovering “a calling, a life in storytelling. An identity in pretending to be other people,” adding that the work he does with fellow actors is “one of the great joys of my life.”
An emotional Harrison Ford describes how acting became his calling. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Ford emphasized that his career was built on collaboration with writers, directors, cast, and crew, and that delivering that shared work to audiences has been “an honor and a privilege.” As the speech drew to a close, the legendary actor’s composure gave way to something quieter and unmistakably heartfelt.
Harrison Ford talks about and appreciates other actors and crew members he has worked with during his career. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
As he neared the end, Ford’s tone shifted again, quieter, more personal. “I’m indeed a lucky guy. Lucky to have found my people. Lucky to have work that challenges me. Lucky to still be doing it. And I don’t take that for granted,” he said.
Actors in the audience listen to Harrison Ford’s emotional and heartfelt speech. | Source: YouTube/Netflix
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