Angela Bassett, James Cameron and More Honored as Disney Legends

Disney’s splashy Legends ceremony brought a cavalcade of A-listers to Anaheim’s Honda Center on Sunday evening during the conclusion of the Mouse House’s D23 Expo.

Disney’s Legends awards program is a hall of fame for individuals who have had a significant impact on the Disney legacy. Past honorees include Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White and Oprah Winfrey.

Angela Bassett was recognized for three decades of work with Disney, including her role in Touchstone’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” narration of National Geographic’s The Flood and the Disney+ docuseries “The Imagineering Story,” and, most recently, her Oscar-nominated performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

“Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler remembered being inspired by Bassett’s work as a child as he introduced her. “To see her and what she does is truly a gift,” he said, telling the crowd the way she led his cast following the loss of lead actor Chadwick Boseman. “She’s incredible. She’s been incredible for decades.”

Bassett remarked, “From day one in my pursuit of a career as an actress, I have understood that I am a part of something greater than myself. I offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey.” She added, “I am forever proud to be your wife, your mother, your sister, and your auntie.”

“Titanic” director James Cameron was also among the honorees, recognized for his work on the “Avatar” film franchise, for which he’s currently in post-production for the third entry, with a planned fourth and fifth in pre-production. He’s also behind several documentaries made in partnership with National Geographic, including the Emmy-winning “Secrets of the Whales” and Emmy-nominated “Secrets of the Elephants.” He also executive produced the OceanXplorers series, due in fall 2024 from National Geographic.

“Titanic” star…