At the 32nd Actors Awards on March 1, Woody Harrelson honored Harrison Ford with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating Ford’s career and their enduring friendship. Harrelson recounted the unexpected moment their bond formed, revealing how a chance lunch invitation led to a memorable connection between the two actors, highlighting the impact behind the Harrison Ford Lifetime Award.
The Beginning of an Unlikely Friendship Over Lunch
Woody Harrelson, 64, shared that he first noticed Harrison Ford entering a sushi restaurant on San Vicente Boulevard and decided to follow him inside. Ford, 83, invited Harrelson to join him for lunch, which turned into an “incredible conversation.” Harrelson described Ford as an exceptionally talented storyteller who could captivate a room and make those around him laugh easily, a trait that cemented their friendship.
“He really is a great storyteller — not just professionally. At one point, we laughed, and I’m not kidding, for three minutes straight, and that sealed our friendship, as laughter does.”
—Woody Harrelson, Actor
Ford, in turn, expressed his pride in calling Harrelson a friend and colleague, emphasizing the significance of the bond they share.
Highlights from Harrelson’s Tribute and Their Warm Exchange
During his speech at the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Awards, where he presented the award to Ford, Harrelson praised Ford as a “timeless American treasure” and affectionately referred to him as “my dear buddy.” He humorously recounted how Ford reached out to him via email—an unusual choice of communication for Ford—requesting Harrelson’s help in presenting the award.
“Harrison sent an email a month ago asking if we could talk. I knew it was important because Harrison never emails. He only texts. He wanted me to present this award to him, and I called him a couple of days later and said I would.”
—Woody Harrelson, Actor
Harrelson also shared the amusing details of Ford’s initial attempts to find a presenter, revealing that both Helen Mirren and Kamala Harris had declined the invitation.
“He said, ‘To be totally forthcoming, I asked Helen Mirren, she turned me down. And then I asked Kamala Harris, she couldn’t do it.’ I said, ‘Dude, let me just stop you right there. Am I in the top 10?’ He said, ‘I could count you on one hand,’ which I took to mean three fingers. I’m happy to take the bronze. Just happy to make the podium.”
—Woody Harrelson, Actor
During his introduction, Harrelson joked about mistakenly dropping Leonardo DiCaprio’s name instead of Ford’s, prompting laughter from the crowd.
“He is among his peers, truly and deeply beloved: Leo DiCaprio. Sorry — Harrison Ford!”
—Woody Harrelson, Actor
Further admiring Ford, Harrelson described him as:
“a true Renaissance man, iconic actor, distinguished pilot and a master carpenter.”
—Woody Harrelson, Actor
His heartfelt introduction earned enthusiastic applause. Ford responded with a smile and a kiss blown toward Harrelson before taking the stage to accept the award.
“Thank you, Woody, for that restricted introduction.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Ford’s Reflections on Career, Collaborators, and Family
In his acceptance speech, Harrison Ford expressed gratitude to key figures who helped launch his career, naming George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, the late casting director Fred Roos, and his late manager Patricia McQueeney. He acknowledged the collective effort of writers, directors, and every person involved in film production that contributed to his success.
“My career is built on [actors’] work as well as the work of writers, directors and every single cast member, every crew member I’ve ever been on a set with.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Ford also thanked his peers and family, including his wife of fifteen years, actress Calista Flockhart, who was present in the audience. He credited them with providing a lifetime of love and courage, which supported him through the ups and downs of his career.
“I’m indeed a lucky guy. Lucky to have found my people. Lucky to have work that challenges me. Lucky to still be doing it. And I don’t take that for granted.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Before the ceremony, Ford expressed how deeply honored he felt to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from fellow actors, highlighting the meaning it held for him personally and professionally.
“To be acknowledged by my fellow actors means a great deal to me. I’ve spent most of my life on film sets, working alongside incredible actors and crews, and I’ve always felt grateful to be part of this community.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Shared Star Wars Legacy Without On-Screen Interaction
Despite their friendship and shared recognition at the awards, Woody Harrelson and Harrison Ford have never worked together on a Star Wars film. Ford famously portrayed Han Solo across four main movies, including A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), and The Force Awakens (2015), as well as cameo appearances in the 1978 holiday special and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Harrelson appeared in the franchise only once, starring in the 2018 spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story, where he played Tobias Beckett, a mentor to the young Han Solo, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich.
This connection within one of cinema’s largest franchises adds an intriguing layer to their friendship, emphasizing the continued influence Harrison Ford has across generations of actors.
As both actors continue their careers, this moment of recognition at the Actors Awards underlines Harrison Ford’s enduring impact on the film industry and the deep respect shared among peers.
