Michael J. Fox is set to receive one of the television industry’s most prestigious honors — the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award — at the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026.
The Television Academy announced that Fox will be honored for his transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy, recognizing decades of humanitarian work that has extended far beyond his celebrated acting career.
The award, named after legendary entertainer and philanthropist Bob Hope, honors members of the television industry whose humanitarian efforts have created a lasting impact on society. Established in 2002, the honor has previously been presented to Oprah Winfrey, Danny Thomas, George Clooney, Sean Penn, and, most recently, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.
Fox’s recognition comes after decades of using his platform to raise awareness and accelerate research into Parkinson’s disease. After publicly revealing his diagnosis with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1998, Fox founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000.
The foundation has since become the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research, supporting more than $3 billion in research programs aimed at advancing treatments and finding a cure.
“Fox’s advocacy has made a lasting impact around the world,” said Television Academy Special Awards Selection Committee co-chair Hillary Bibicoff, emphasizing the actor’s continued efforts to inspire meaningful change in the fight against Parkinson’s.
Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego also praised Fox’s leadership and influence, noting that his work has helped advance scientific breakthroughs while demonstrating the impact one person can have in creating meaningful change.
The humanitarian honor arrives during another significant year for Fox. The five-time Emmy winner is also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his appearance on Apple TV+’s Shrinking. That award will be presented during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 6.
Fox has received 19 Emmy nominations throughout his career and won five times. He earned three consecutive Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series awards for his iconic portrayal of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties in 1986, 1987 and 1988. He later won for Spin City in 2000 and received another Emmy for his guest appearance on Rescue Me in 2009.
His television accomplishments are only part of an extraordinary career. Fox became an international movie star through films including the Back to the Future trilogy, Teen Wolf, The Secret of My Success, Doc Hollywood, The American President and Casualties of War.
His Apple TV+ documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie also became an awards-season success, earning four Emmy Awards.
Beyond his Emmy wins, Fox has received four Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. His honors also include an honorary Academy Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and recognition from Canada, where he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010 and later promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada.
Now, Fox will add the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to that remarkable list of accomplishments.
The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, will air live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
