Michael J. Fox made a surprise appearance at the British Academy Film Awards last Sunday and got a huge standing ovation. Despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Fox was there to present the best film award. David Tennant, the host of the BAFTAs, introduced him as a “true legend of cinema.” As he was wheeled onto the stage, everyone in the audience stood up to cheer for the “Back to the Future” star. The applause got even louder when he stood up to speak at the microphone.

“Five films are nominated in this category tonight, and all five have something in common, they’re the best at what we do,” said Fox from the stage. “No matter who you are or where you’re from these films can bring us together. There’s a reason why they say movies are magic, ’cause movies can change your day, they change your outlook, it can sometimes even change your life.”

He then presented the award to Christopher Nolan and his team for “Oppenheimer,” a film about the atomic bomb. Fox was also there because “Still,” a documentary about his own struggle with Parkinson’s disease, was nominated for best documentary at the BAFTAs.

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 when he was just 29. This neurological disorder causes stiffness, shaking, and coordination difficulties that get worse over time, as noted by the National Institutes of Health.

Fox, who has been very open about his condition, shared with Variety last year that he has faced mental health challenges and several injuries due to his Parkinson’s. He also spoke about maintaining hope while managing his condition on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

“I recognize how hard this is for people, and I recognize how hard it is for me,” he said. “But I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff. And I realized, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. And if you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on.”