Harrison Ford will no longer be attending the 2025 Academy Awards as a presenter after being diagnosed with shingles just days before the ceremony.
The 82-year-old actor, widely recognized for his iconic roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, made the decision to step down on Saturday morning following his diagnosis on Friday, according to Entertainment Weekly.
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While Ford is reportedly doing well and resting, the unexpected health setback has forced him to cancel his planned appearance at the prestigious event.
Shingles: The Painful Condition Behind Ford’s Absence
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus-the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While chickenpox is common in childhood, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.
The condition manifests as a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body, accompanied by burning or tingling sensations.
According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles is not life-threatening but can cause significant discomfort, especially for older adults.
Given Ford‘s active schedule and high-profile commitments, stepping away from the Oscars to focus on his recovery was a necessary move.
Recent Public Appearances and Career Outlook
Despite his recent diagnosis, Ford appeared to be in good spirits just last week at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where he was seen alongside his Shrinking castmates. He was even caught on camera playfully interrupting co-star Jessica Williams during the ceremony, drawing laughter from the audience.
Ford was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Shrinking, though he ultimately lost the award to Martin Short for his performance in Only Murders in the Building.
The Apple TV+ series, in which Ford plays a blunt yet endearing therapist, was also up for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series but again lost to Only Murders in the Building.
Initially, Ford was set to present at the Oscars alongside other major Hollywood figures, including Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Zoe Saldaña, and Oprah Winfrey.
However, his exact role at the ceremony and which award he was meant to present remain undisclosed.
Still Active in Hollywood Despite Setbacks
Ford‘s withdrawal from the Oscars comes shortly after another challenging moment-the Palisades Fire, which threatened his $12.6 million Brentwood home in Los Angeles County. The veteran actor was seen speaking with authorities after returning home following an evacuation order.
Despite these recent difficulties, Ford has no plans to slow down. While promoting 1923, the Yellowstone prequel series in which he stars as Jacob Dutton, he reassured fans that retirement is not on his mind.
“I will retire when you forget my name,” Ford confidently told reporters. He also credited 1923 creator Taylor Sheridan for keeping him engaged in acting, praising the acclaimed screenwriter as an “incredible storyteller.”
Though his absence from the 2025 Oscars is a disappointment to fans, Ford‘s resilience and dedication to his craft make it clear that he has no intention of stepping away from Hollywood anytime soon.
