The D23 Ultimate Disney fan event was this past weekend and we were on the scene to cover all the festivities. This event includes not just all that the Walt Disney Company owns and offers, but panels of various topics to entertain the masses. The Saturday evening presentation is always a big one, where fans learn what is coming to the parks and beyond in the near future. This year’s event was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and was pretty fabulous if I do say so myself. The following day was the Disney Legends presentation, where a specific group of people earn the title of Disney Legend. Among the honorees for 2026 were Lin Manuel Miranda, The Jonas Brothers and Anne Hathaway. Well, how does the legendary Jim Cummings feel about that? Yes, I said legendary because his fans feel that way. Well, he’s seemingly unhappy and folks can see why. He again was not nominated for this prestigious award.
Jim Cummings posted a reel on his Instagram to the song “Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel with the quote above. Basically, another D23 and another year of him not getting the Disney Legend award. He also shared stories and such from fans who voiced their displeasure that he wasn’t nominated. As everyone knows, Jim Cummings is the famous voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. And Darkwing Duck. And Pete. Don’t forget Ray the firefly. The list goes on and on. Jim has done over 1500 voices in his career, that’s incredibly impressive. Jim is not an official Disney Legend. But why? Now, I’m not discrediting the nominees this year, as they are all talented in their own right. However, Jim Cummings has done so much for the company and has entertained fans for many, many years. Yes, he posted the above reel on social media, but he also was there this weekend doing other things. I saw Jim in the Disney Rewind concert on Friday night at the Convention Center. He came out on stage and did some of his famous voices to the delight of the crowd. He was great!
So, yes, Jim voiced his unhappiness about once again not receiving the Disney Legend award, but was there for the fans. He didn’t shy away from being at the event. I’ve met Jim Cummings and he is very witty, personable and willing to talk about his career and voices that so many love. Many people didn’t even realize that he’s not an “official” Disney Legend, they just assumed that he was. This begs the question.. why? With all that he has accomplished, why wasn’t Jim Cummings offered this award? I think he’d like to know that answer as well. To fans of Jim Cummings, he indeed IS a legend. We have two years to wait until the next legends inductee ceremony. Will Mr. Cummings finally get this award that he deserves? We shall see. Until then, his fans will continue to love and appreciate him, official title or not.
What do you think about Jim Cummings not getting the Legend Award again this year? Tell us about it in the comments!
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