Woody Harrelson hugs Michael J Fox as he presents him with an Academy Award

Woody Harrelson held Michael J Fox tight as he presented him with an honorary Academy Award for his work on Parkinson’s disease.

The Back To The Future actor, 61, received the honors at the 13th Annual Governors Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Michael was diagnosed with the progressive condition that affects the nervous system before his 30th birthday and has since raised more than $1 billion in research funding through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Over the weekend, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an award for stars “whose humanitarian efforts have brought honor to the industry,” from his close friend and Doc Hollywood co-star, Woody.

Before Michael arrived on stage, Woody credited his big screen breakthrough to Michael, who recommended him for the role of Hank Gordon in the film.

Accepting his award, Michael said, “Once I got into the process of learning about the disease, every interaction, every new piece of information I gathered, every researcher or NIH official I talked to, it was all confirmed, the science was ahead of the money.

‘The answers can be unlocked with the right investments. I was told I only had 10 years left to work. That was stupid. That’s what happened. The hardest part of my diagnosis was struggling with the certainty of the diagnosis and the uncertainty of the situation!’

Michael – who has been married to Tracy Pollan since 1989 and has children with her, Sam, 33, Aquinnah, Schuyler, both 27, and Esme, 21 – later explained that he accepted the honor because it served as “confirmation” that he does its best and described the price as a force multiplier.

He told Access Hollywood, “It’s nice to see confirmation that you’re human and you’re doing your best, and for those reasons, I accept it.

“But it’s really exciting. It’s really one of those things where if you believe in something, you work towards something, and then the strength of the company watches you and your efforts for two minutes, it’s so powerful and so productive. It’s a force multiplier. It’s really exciting.’

The star was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29. He did not come out with the news of his diagnosis until later in 1998.

The condition affects the central nervous system, with some common symptoms such as tremors, decreased movement and speech changes gradually worsening over time, according to Mayo Clinic.

Although Michael has never been nominated for an Oscar and has retired from acting in 2020 due to his condition, his humanitarian work has not gone unnoticed by people in the film industry.

In 2000, the star launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help fund more research into treatments and possible cures for the condition. Currently, the organization has raised approximately $1.5 billion.

Prior to Michael’s arrival on stage, Woody said, “Michael J Fox has brought understanding, empathy and determination to his cause, inspiring millions to stand a little longer and speak a little stronger.

“And hold on a little tighter to something humanity needs much more of, hope.

“I was at a party in Hollywood — I don’t remember the details — but it was the mid-1980s, of course I was in the kitchen where all good parties end.

“I stepped outside to get some air and suddenly I came back and it seemed like everyone in there evaporated. But everyone was sitting in the living room watching a television program.

“So I stopped and looked, there was a high school student and he was electric. What he could do with a look or a pause, I was watching a phenomenon in the making.

“I think I’m pretty funny, and really funny when I’m high. But this guy was a masterclass in comedy. That was my first encounter with Michael J Fox.

“A year or two later he did Back To The Future, he was the biggest star in the world, and we had a Cheers Christmas party and he came over and he was incredibly kind – he loved the show and my character – he has this amazing ability to turn the tables and make others feel good.

‘I’ve seen him do this so many times in so many years, Mike is a really great guy, what can I say – he’s Canadian. We had a nice chat and he got up on stage and did his solo from BTTF, everyone on the cast felt very happy to witness this.

‘Apart from a lady who had no Christmas spirit and promptly kicked him out, and that woman became my wife – sorry cheap joke!

After the incident, Woody stopped by to apologize and Michael suggested we hang out.

The duo became close friends and Michael recommended Woody for a role in Doc Hollywood, which became his breakthrough Cheers to the big screen.

He added at the end of his speech, “I owe it to you, Mike.”