The Disney Legends program was established in 1987 to acknowledge and honor the many individuals whose imagination, talents and dreams have created the Disney magic. The awards are given annually by Michael D. Eisner and Roy E. Disney during a ceremony at The Walt Disney Studios.

The Legends are chosen by a selection committee chosen by Roy E. Disney. Since it�s inception, the program has honored many gifted animators, Imagineers, songwriters, actors and business leaders as having made a significant impact on the Disney legacy.

In 1997, the Legends program was established in Europe with a ceremony held at Disneyland Paris, commemorating the 5th anniversary of the park and honoring those who established many of the Disney European businesses. During the ceremony, a 14-foot bronze enlargement of the Disney Legends award was unveiled as an enduring reminder of their contributions.

On October 16, 1998, the new Disney Legends Plaza was dedicated at The Walt Disney Studios to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the The Walt Disney Company. The Plaza features a second edition of the bronze sculpture first placed in Disneyland Paris, with bronze plaques representing the individual Legends lining the columns of the Plaza.

Each year, new Legends will join this celebrated group so that we may always remember the gifts of those people who know the secret of making dreams come true.

Legends Philosophy

The Disney Legends award has three distinct elements that characterize the contributions made by each talented recipient.
The Spiral ... stands for imagination, the power of an idea.
The Hand ... holds the gifts of skill, discipline and craftsmanship.
The Wand and the Star ... represent magic: the spark that is ignited when imagination and skill combine to create a new dream.

Legend Award Details

The Disney Legends award was created in 1987 by Andrea Favilli. The awards are cast in bronze and hand-crafted each year by the artist that characterize the contribution made by each talented recipient.