Jamie Foxx made his first public appearance Monday night at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements since being diagnosed with a mysterious illness in April.
Foxx, 55, who was the recipient of the event’s Vanguard Award for his performance in the 2023 film “The Burial,” managed to take the stage unassisted when the category was announced.
“I couldn’t do that six months ago, I couldn’t actually walk to [the stage]. And I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people saying that I was cloned out there,” Foxx said in his speech, per The Hollywood Reporter.
“It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now, it’s different,” the “Django Unchained” star continued. “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel.”
“I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light,” he noted, adding that the metaphorical tunnel was “hot.”
“I don’t know where I was going. ‘S–t, am I going to the right place?’” he added.
According to Foxx, he has a new appreciation for life.
“I have a new respect for life, I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by,” the “Ali” star said. “Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up on your art. When you realize that it could be over like that… I got to tell you don’t give up on your art and don’t let them take the art from you either.”
Foxx kept a low profile in April after his daughter Corinne shared via Instagram that her father had suffered a “medical emergency” while on the set of Netflix’s action comedy “Back in Action” in Atlanta.
“We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday,” the statement read at the time. “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”
Since the statement, there had been scant news about the actor’s condition.
Later that month, it was revealed that Foxx was “awake and alert” as medical professionals attempted to ascertain what happened to the Oscar winner.
Foxx later issued a statement via Instagram thanking his fans for their love and support.
In June, a source close to the “Spiderman” actor revealed that Foxx was “still not himself” after being released from the hospital.
“He is getting the best care and working hard to recover right now, but he is still not himself,” the unidentified source told People magazine. “He has the tightest circle around him.”
The “Ray” star gave fans an update in August, claiming that he was “finally startin to feel like myself” in an Instagram post.
“U just don’t know how much it meant,” he said, thanking the doctors who took care of him. “I will be thanking all of you personally … and if you didn’t know … GOD IS GOOD … all day every day … #swipeleft #imbackandimbetter #nobaddays.”
“The Burial,” starring Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.