Disney has announced the latest group of honorees for its Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest recognition for people who have made a major impact on its entertainment legacy. The new class includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Susan Egan, Anne Hathaway, The Jonas Brothers, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Eric Goldberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, Chris Berman, Kim Irvine, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger.
The ceremony is set for the final day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, which runs in Anaheim, California. It will take place on Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and the event also streaming on Disney+.
What the Disney Legends honor represents
The Disney Legends Award is described by Disney as its highest honor, reserved for individuals whose work has shaped the company’s creative and cultural identity. The program began as a company tradition nearly four decades ago, when Fred MacMurray became one of the first honorees in 1987.
This year’s selection continues that tradition by recognizing artists, executives, and creators across film, television, music, animation, and theme park storytelling. The mix reflects how Disney builds its legacy through both on-screen talent and the behind-the-scenes people who shape its worlds.
Why these honorees stand out
Lin-Manuel Miranda earned a place among the honorees after helping define Disney’s modern musical era with songs for recent animated films. Susan Egan and Anne Hathaway also represent Disney’s broad reach across stage and screen, while Alan Tudyk and Dwayne Johnson have become closely associated with major Disney projects and characters.
The Jonas Brothers were recognized for their influence on Disney music and youth entertainment, while Eric Goldberg was honored for his animation work on some of the company’s most memorable characters. Jerry Bruckheimer, Chris Berman, and Kim Irvine broaden the list further by representing producing, broadcasting, and Imagineering.
Disney Legends honorees announced by Disney
| Honoree | Role or contribution |
|---|---|
| Bob Iger | Former chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company |
| Susan Egan | Performer linked to Disney stage and screen work |
| Dwayne Johnson | Actor and Disney franchise star |
| Anne Hathaway | Actress with notable Disney film ties |
| Alan Tudyk | Actor and voice performer |
| The Jonas Brothers | Music group with strong Disney legacy |
| Lin-Manuel Miranda | Songwriter for modern Disney films |
| Eric Goldberg | Disney animator |
| Jerry Bruckheimer | Producer |
| Chris Berman | Sports broadcaster |
| Kim Irvine | Walt Disney Imagineering executive |
| Ryan Seacrest | Ceremony host, not an honoree |
A ceremony tied to D23’s biggest weekend
Disney placed the Legends ceremony at the end of its flagship fan event, a slot that gives the announcement maximum attention from attendees and viewers. The Honda Center event will capture multiple parts of Disney’s business, from film and television to music, sports, and theme parks.
The company also confirmed that the celebration will reach audiences beyond Anaheim through a Disney+ stream. That wider access has become increasingly important for major fan-facing events, especially when Disney wants to spotlight artists whose work spans generations and platforms.
A growing list of Disney icons
Including this year’s honorees, Disney says there are now 329 Disney Legends. The list already includes names such as Dame Julie Andrews, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Dame Angela Lansbury, Alan Menken, Idina Menzel, and the Sherman Brothers.
The new class shows how Disney continues to connect its past with its present by honoring performers and creators who helped define its most recognizable stories. With names ranging from Miranda and The Jonas Brothers to Iger and Irvine, the latest group underscores the company’s effort to recognize influence across every part of its entertainment empire.
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