Jamie Foxx pleasantly surprised everyone by making his first public appearance at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television on Monday night. This marked Foxx’s return to the public eye since being hospitalized for a medical issue back in April. At the event, Foxx received the Vanguard Award for his role in “The Burial” and took the stage with his trademark wit and humor.
Addressing the audience at the Fairmont Plaza Hotel in Century City, Foxx shared his journey of facing health challenges in the past year. He humorously quipped about people speculating he was cloned while expressing gratitude for being able to walk unassisted to the stage. Foxx spoke about his newfound appreciation for life and urged others not to give up on their art.
In April, Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, first revealed his hospitalization while filming for Netflix’s “Back in Action” in Atlanta. Although details of his medical issue remain private, updates in May and August confirmed his recovery and return home.
The Critics Choice Association’s event also honored various achievers, including Charles Melton, Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Greta Lee, Colman Domingo, Damson Idris, Jeffrey Wright, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Charles Melton received the Breakthrough Actor award, reflecting on how acting helped him find his identity.
The cast of “The Color Purple” received the Ensemble Award, and Xolo Maridueña, the star of “Blue Beetle,” was honored with the Rising Star Award. Eva Longoria, recognized with the Breakthrough Director Award for “Flamin’ Hot,” credited Paul Feig for encouraging her to step behind the camera.
Emotional moments filled the evening as 23 awards were presented to honorees, including Edward James Olmos, Ken Jeong, Charles D. King, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kemp Powers, Makoto Shinkai, Allen Hughes, Jessica Williams, Oscar Montoya, Lee Sung Jin, Teyana Taylor, Camila Morrone, and Keivonn Woodard. Several awardees teared up while sharing their remarkable journeys.