Los Angeles, California – Hollywood veteran Harrison Ford will not be appearing at this year’s Oscars as originally planned. The 82-year-old actor had been set to be one of the presenters at the 97th Oscars on Sunday night, but he had to back out due to a recent shingles diagnosis, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Ford received the diagnosis on Friday and is currently resting and recuperating. Shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash, can be particularly uncomfortable for those affected.
Just last month, Ford attended the Captain America: Brave New World and 1923 season two events in Los Angeles, where he shared his thoughts on working on the Western show and his appreciation for its old-fashioned storytelling style.
Despite Ford’s absence, the Oscars lineup of presenters includes top names like Robert Downey Jr., Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, among others. The ceremony is hosted by Conan O’Brien and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, airing live on ABC on March 2.
It is unfortunate that Ford had to pull out of the Oscars due to his health condition, but his fans and colleagues are surely wishing him a speedy recovery. The show must go on, and Hollywood’s biggest stars are set to make the evening a memorable one for viewers worldwide. The absence of Ford may be felt, but the excitement and anticipation for the event remain high.