Jamie Foxx Gets Emotional Making First Public Appearance Since Hospitalization

Jamie Foxx is thankful to be alive following the “medical complication” he experienced in April.

The Oscar-winning actor, shared his journey to recovery during his first major public appearance since being hospitalized earlier this year to accept the Vanguard Award at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements event in Los Angeles Monday night. His surprise arrival on stage was met with more than half a minute of applause.

“I’ve been through some things,” Foxx told the crowd. “It’s crazy; I couldn’t do that six months ago. I couldn’t actually walk.”

He took a moment to collect himself, seemingly getting emotional.

“It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It’s different,” he continued. “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over. … I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel, too; I don’t know where I was going.'”

Foxx joked, “Am I going to the right place? I see the devil going, ‘C’mon.'”

Foxx continued to keep the specifics of his medical issue private in his speech.

Foxx was one of a handful of winners at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television. For a full list of winners click here.