Jamie Foxx returned to the spotlight on Monday night — and to the delight of fans, he was back to his hilarious jokester self.
He attended the Critics Choice Association‘s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements to accept the Vanguard Award for his work in the Prime Video movie “The Burial.” The Oscar winner cracked up the audience as he recalled his battle with a serious “medical complication.”
After receiving a beautiful tribute from his “The Burial” co-star Jurnee Smollett, Foxx triumphantly walked across the stage to the excited cheers of attendees. He offered his thanks for the recognition of his work before switching gears to poke fun at the conspiracy theories that surrounded his medical emergency.
“I’ve been through something. I’ve been through some things,” Foxx said. “You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago — I couldn’t actually walk. I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people who was saying I was cloned out there.”
In April, the “Ray” star was rushed to an Atlanta hospital with a “medical complication.” His family kept details quiet, which led the internet to wildly speculate on his condition and the cause of his health issues. As he commanded the stage like the born entertainer that he is, the “Blame It” singer reflected on his new appreciation for life, noting that everything feels “different” now.
“It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It’s different. It’s different,” he said. “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy, because it’s tough when you almost...When it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel.”
One thing that became clear during his speech was that Jamie hasn’t lost his comedic timing or brilliance. The way he transitioned between the serious emotions of his experience and the humorous aspects of almost dying was pure genius.
“I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light,” Foxx joked. “It was hot in that tunnel so I didn’t know where I was going. Shit, am I going to the right place? I seen the devil goin ‘C’mon, now.’”
Despite his good spirits, Jamie was noticeably emotional about the moment. He closed his acceptance speech by truly appreciating everything it took to get him back on stage where he belongs.
“I want to say six months ago I couldn’t fathom that this could happen or that I would be here, but as I walk up here to this microphone and get this Vanguard Award, all I can say is ‘Lord, have mercy, Jesus,’” he said.