Harrison Ford breaks down accepting Life achievement Award at 2026 Actor Awards

Harrison Ford teared up as he accepted the Life Achievement Award at the 2026 Actor Awards on Sunday, March 1, celebrating a career spanning six decades.

The 83-year-old actor, renowned for iconic roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises as well as his recent work on Apple TV's Shrinking, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on both his career and the personal connections that have shaped it.

“I’m in a room of actors, many of whom are here because they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for… being alive,” Ford quipped, drawing laughter before turning emotional.

He spoke candidly about the luck and privilege of his career. “Sometimes we make entertainment; sometimes we make art. 

Sometimes we’re lucky to make ‘em both at the same time, and if we’re really fortunate, we also get to make a living doing it,” he said.

Ford emphasized the responsibility that comes with success in Hollywood. “It brings a certain freedom that comes with responsibility to support each other, to lift others up when we can, to keep the door open for the next kid, the next lost boy who's looking for a place to belong,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

The actor thanked his peers, his family, and his wife, Calista Flockhart, acknowledging the support that has sustained him throughout his career. 

“I want to say thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart, to my peers, to my extraordinary beautiful wife Calista and my family, who have given me love and courage through all of it, and thank you to SAG-AFTRA for honouring me with this prize. This is very encouraging,” he said.

Ford also offered gratitude to the mentors and collaborators who influenced his career, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, former manager Patricia McQueeny, and the late casting director Fred Roos. 

With his trademark humor, he joked, “This is a tough business to get into. In my case, it’s been a tough business to get out of — thank God, because I love what I do.”