Jamie Foxx made a surprise showing at the Critics Choice Association‘s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements on Monday night, taking the stage for his first public appearance following his sudden hospitalization in April.
Foxx was honored with the Vanguard Award for his acclaimed performance in “The Burial,” from Amazon’s Prime Video. The Oscar and Grammy-winner also starred in Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone,” which earned him a Gotham Award nomination last month.
Jurnee Smollett presented the award to her “Burial” co-star, saying he’s a “true vanguard, a pioneer who has broken down barriers and inspired generations of artists like myself to be bold, audacious dreamers.”
“Working with Jamie, I found a generous scene partner I can lean on and trust,” Smollett said on stage. “Even though we were playing rivals battling it out in the courtroom, in him, I found a great cheerleader — one who on our very first day shooting y’all he came, and right after the third take, he came up to me, he’s like, ‘Man, you are killing this role.’ Now I don’t think he understands what that kind of support means to someone like me who’s watched him my entire life.”
Foxx received a standing ovation while walking across the stage. The awards ceremony marks the first time Foxx has attended a Hollywood event since April, when he was sidelined by a sudden medical complication — an emergency that also halted production on his upcoming Netflix film “Back in Action.”
“You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago — I couldn’t actually walk,” Foxx said at the beginning of his acceptance speech before taking a pause. “I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people who was saying I was cloned out there,” he continued with a laugh.
Foxx reflected on his recent health battle, telling the audience, “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s tough.”
He added, “I have a new respect for life. I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by. Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up.”
Details regarding Foxx’s health were scarce in the weeks following his hospitalization in Atlanta: In May, the actor released a statement thanking fans for their “love” and assuring them he was “feeling blessed” amid his recovery; then he was spotted on a boat in Chicago in July. Later that month, Foxx released an emotional video message alluding to the severity of his medical condition and thanking his family for their support.
“I know a lot of people were waiting, wanting to hear updates. But, to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that, man,” Foxx said in the social media clip. “I want you to see me laughing and having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie or television show. I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through.”
Monday night’s Critics Choice celebration, which also saw Foxx’s “They Cloned Tyrone” producer, Macro chief Charles D. King among the honorees, was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza and hosted by “P-Valley” star Nicco Annan. Alongside Foxx and King, the lineup of honorees included Edward James Olmos, who was presented with the Icon Award; Sheryl Lee Ralph, who received the Career Achievement Award; and Ken Jeong, who accepted the Comedy Trailblazer Award.
