Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has stepped down from his role as a presenter at the 2025 Academy Awards due to a shingles diagnosis. The 82-year-old actor fell ill in the end of February, prompting his withdrawal from the prestigious event.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Ford is doing fine despite the setback, though his representatives have not yet released an official statement about his condition.
Just days before his diagnosis, Ford attended the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, where he participated in a light hearted skit with his co-star from Shrinking, Jessica Williams. During their playful moment on stage, Williams playfully teased Ford for chewing his food at an awkward time, which elicited laughter from the audience.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It can cause nerve pain that lasts for weeks or even months. While shingles can be uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. The Mayo Clinic stated that it can be managed with treatment, but it should be caught early.
Before his diagnosis, Ford was announced as a presenter for the 2025 Oscars, alongside several other prominent Hollywood figures. These include Gal Gadot, Zoe Saldaña, Andrew Garfield, Margaret Qualley, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Zegler, Alba Rohrwacher, and Dave Bautista.
Further, the ceremony will feature Whoopi Goldberg, host of ‘The View,’ returning to the Oscars stage after nearly a decade. Other notable presenters will include Halle Berry, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp, Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Cillian Murphy, Bowen Yang, John Lithgow, Emma Stone, Ana de Armas, and Ben Stiller.
The evening promises thrilling musical performances, including a duet from Wicked by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, alongside a collaborative act featuring Doja Cat, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and British artist Raye.
Despite his diagnosis, Ford has kept fans updated, assuring them he is doing well. In a recent interview with People magazine, he shared that he is in good shape and actively participating in the production of ‘1923’ Season 2. Renowned for taking on physically challenging roles, Ford remains committed to action-packed scenes, including horseback riding, even at the age of 82.