LOS ANGELES — Jamie Foxx made his first public appearance Monday since suffering a medical emergency in April, discussing his health as he accepted an award.
Foxx received the Vanguard Award at the Critics Choice Association‘s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements for his performance in "The Burial."
He received a standing ovation as he accepted the award and got emotional about the health scare that nearly took his life.
"I've been through something. I've been through some things,” Foxx said. “It's crazy, I couldn't do that six months ago. I couldn't actually walk, too." Foxx was hospitalized in Atlanta in April.
He lightened the mood by insisting he is "not a clone," with a laugh, referencing online conspiracy theories.
"It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now. It's different," Foxx said. "I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy."
"I saw the tunnel, I didn't see the light," he cracked. "It was hot in that tunnel! I didn't know where I was going. S***, am I going to the right place?"
He thanked supporters for praying for him during his health issues, about which he has still not shared any details publicly. Foxx shared a video in July discussing the medical scare after being out of the spotlight for several months.
"Black people, when we almost die or go through something like that, there's two phrases, one of two phrases we say," Foxx explained in his acceptance speech. "One is, 'Lord, have mercy, Jesus. Lord, have mercy, Jesus.'"
After thanking colleagues and family, he concluded his remarks: “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.”