Robert Downey Jr. and Bette Midler, along with such luminaries as Wing Chao, Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer, will be honored as Disney Legends during D23 Expo 2019 for their extraordinary contributions to the Disney legacy. Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, the Disney Legends Awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 23, in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.
“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 32-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the first Disney Legend was Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), who was honored in 1987. The award ceremony is just one of the dozens of spectacular events Disney fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.
The 2019 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
WING CHAO For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.
JON FAVREAU started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, John holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.
JAMES EARL JONES started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
BETTE MIDLER When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.
KENNY ORTEGA is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well as the Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of Frozen, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.
BARNETTE RICCI started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.
ROBIN ROBERTS In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour‘s Women of the Year.
DIANE SAWYER is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.
MING-NA WEN can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
HANS ZIMMER has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2019.
Including this year’s honorees, a total of 289 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Beatrice Arthur, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Jennings, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Regis Philbin, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Betty White, and Robin Williams. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony live.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
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Streaming
Masters of the Air: A Gritty Tribute to the Heroes of the Skies
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Rating: 4.5/5
Apple TV’s Masters of the Air takes viewers on an intense journey through the harrowing experiences of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. This limited series, produced by the dynamic duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, delivers a gripping portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice of the young men who fought in the skies over Europe. With a focus on authenticity and emotional depth, Masters of the Air stands as a worthy successor to its predecessors, *Band of Brothers* and The Pacific.
The series excels in its meticulous attention to detail, from the period-accurate planes to the stark realism of aerial combat. The visual effects are nothing short of spectacular, immersing the audience in the chaos and danger of high-altitude warfare. The show’s cinematography captures the vastness of the skies and the claustrophobic confines of the bombers, adding to the tension that permeates every scene.
Masters of the Air is anchored by strong performances from its ensemble cast. The actors deliver nuanced portrayals of their characters, conveying the fear, camaraderie, and resolve that defined the Eighth Air Force’s mission. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of war, including the psychological toll on the airmen and the devastating losses they endured.
However, *Masters of the Air* isn’t just about action and heroism. It also explores the complex moral dilemmas faced by the pilots and crew, adding layers to the narrative that elevate it above typical war dramas. The series’ pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection amid the chaos, which deepens the emotional impact.
In conclusion, *Masters of the Air* is a powerful and moving tribute to the unsung heroes of the skies. Its combination of historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling makes it a must-watch for fans of war dramas and history buffs alike. Apple TV has once again proven its prowess in delivering top-tier original content, and *Masters of the Air* is a shining example of their commitment to quality storytelling.
With its emotionally charged narrative and breathtaking visuals, *Masters of the Air* earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. This series is not just a show—it’s an experience that honors the legacy of the brave airmen who risked everything for freedom.
Uncategorized
The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
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Rating: 10/10
If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds filled with magic, talking beasts, and a storyline that feels like a reimagined “Beauty and the Beast,” *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is an anime you should not miss. Streaming on Crunchyroll, this underrated gem offers a fresh and engaging twist on the classic tale of love and sacrifice in a magical otherworld.
The anime takes place in a fantastical world where humans and beasts coexist in a fragile peace. The story follows Sariphi, a young girl who has been chosen as the 99th human sacrifice to the fearsome King of Beasts, Leonhart. However, instead of cowering in fear, Sariphi faces her fate with courage and empathy, qualities that intrigue the beastly king. As their relationship develops, Sariphi learns that Leonhart harbors a deep secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.
Sariphi, the protagonist, is a breath of fresh air in the world of anime heroines. Her unwavering kindness and bravery make her a relatable and admirable character. Leonhart, the King of Beasts, is a complex character whose tough exterior hides a heart full of vulnerability. The supporting cast, consisting of talking beasts and magical beings, adds depth and richness to the world-building, making every episode a visual and emotional treat.
The animation quality is top-notch, with beautiful, lush backgrounds that bring the magical world to life. The character designs, especially the talking beasts, are creative and detailed, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of the anime. The contrast between the dark, mysterious kingdom and the warmth of the characters’ interactions is visually striking and enhances the overall storytelling.
At its core, The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a story about breaking down barriers, understanding the “other,” and the power of love to transform even the most hardened hearts. The anime explores themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the courage to stand up against prejudice. It’s a story that resonates on many levels, making it more than just a simple fantasy tale.
With only one season and 24 episodes, *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is a binge-worthy series that delivers a compelling story, memorable characters, and a beautifully crafted world. While it may not have the mainstream popularity of other fantasy anime, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. If you’re into magical worlds, talking beasts, and stories with heart, this anime is a must-watch.
This series is a great find on Crunchyroll for those who crave a blend of fantasy, magic, and heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure!
Streaming
Ramen Akaneko – A Flavorful Journey into Culinary Magic
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★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Red Cat Ramen or Ramen Akaneko is a captivating and unique anime that blends the worlds of culinary artistry and magical realism, now streaming on Crunchyroll. The series centers on Yashiro Tamako,
a young girl who has a dislike of cats and applies for a part-time position at a ramen joint run by cats.
The anime unfolds as Tamako and the cat staff embark on a journey to revive the struggling ramen shop, which has fallen out of favor with the locals. Each episode showcases a different cat and their interaction with Tamako through the intricate process of running the restaurant from daily cat brushings to customer service. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, from rival chefs to eccentric food critics, each contributing to Tamako’s growth.
The story is not just about food; it’s about tradition, legacy, and the bonds that are forged through the act of cooking. The cat staff with their enigmatic personalities and vast wisdom, become both a mentors and friends to Tamako, helping her uncover the true essence of a restaurant.
Ramen Akaneko stands out in the anime world for its unique combination of culinary exploration and fantasy storytelling. The series is visually stunning, with each ramen dish meticulously animated to highlight the artistry involved in ramen-making. The anime doesn’t just stop at visuals; it delves deep into the cultural and emotional significance of ramen, offering viewers a rich, sensory experience.
The characters are well-developed, particularly Tamako, whose journey from a novice to a fully fledged staff member is both inspiring and relatable. The staff, with its mysterious aura, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the story. Their dynamic relationship drives the narrative, making each episode feel like a new chapter in their evolving partnership.
Bunzo (文蔵)
Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda[3]
Sasaki (佐々木)
Voiced by: Noriaki Sugiyama[4]
Sabu (サブ)
Voiced by: Michiyo Murase[4]
Hana (ハナ)
Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya[4]
Krishna (クリシュナ, Kurishuna)
Voiced by: Saori Hayami[4]
Tamako Yashiro (社珠子, Yashiro Tamako)
Voiced by: Kurumi
The anime’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of light-hearted moments, intense culinary battles, and touching emotional scenes.
For fans of cooking anime, Ramen Akaneko is a feast for the senses. The attention to detail in the cooking sequences is impressive, and the way the show incorporates elements of fantasy makes it stand out from other food-themed anime. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast, a fantasy lover, or just looking for a heartwarming story, Ramen Akaneko is a delightful watch that should be on your must-see list this year.
Ramen Akaneko is a beautifully crafted anime that offers more than just a visual feast. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the magic that happens when food is made with love and care. With its stunning animation, engaging characters, and heartwarming plot, this series is a must-watch for anime fans and foodies alike. Don’t miss out on this flavorful journey—head over to Crunchyroll and dive into the world of Ramen Akaneko.