Michael J Fox opens up the standing ovation he received at the 2024 BAFTA Awards in February and why he thinks people are so moved and invested in what he represents.

The actor, activist and philanthropist spoke with ET's Rachel Smith ahead of this year's edition Something national happened on the road to curing Parkinson's – a musical charity gala benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation – held on Tuesday at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

“It's still very surprising,” Fox said of the outpouring of love and support he received as he walked out the door made a surprise appearance during the ceremonyheld at the Royal Festival Hall in London, where he presented the evening's final award for Best Film.

“I think it's great and I appreciate it, but I see it more as a recognition of determination and determination to solve the big problem, and that we all have the power to do what we can do to move things forward Fox, 62, said of the standing ovation. “I think people are just saying, 'Thank you for hanging in there and getting after this.' And I appreciate that.”

Fox explained that he feels like he is a beacon and symbol for optimism, something that is reflected in his tireless efforts to combat Parkinson's disease.

“That's what people responded to at the BAFTAS,” Fox said. “The problem is that people really want to believe that we can do things, and I think they see me as someone who does that.”

During the star-studded BAFTA ceremony earlier this year, Fox was introduced by Doctor who alum David Tennant and was escorted to the stage in a wheelchair. He received a standing ovation from the audience when he came out and presented the category while standing on stage.

Fox attended the ceremony his wife of 35 years, Tracy Pollanwho was also at his side on Tuesday at the A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's gala, which featured appearances and performances by Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town and Jason Isbell.

“The support here is fantastic, and it's fun to mix things up and go to the country,” Fox said of the event. “It's nice to be in Nashville.”

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 at age 29and he explained to ET that he doesn't really look at his health the way others do — in terms of good and bad days or as a struggle.

“After about 35 years since I was diagnosed, this is just my life and I don't think about it much,” he said of his illness. 'I don't even think about it [it]. Except I'm thinking about what we're going to do as a community to figure this out and find a cure — and instead of a cure, [create] treatment centers that are truly groundbreaking.”

“For me personally, it's just who I am and the way I'm built,” he added. “And I'm necessarily trying to figure it out for myself, I'm figuring it out for everyone. But it just is what it is.”

“My life has been a great ride and it continues to be a great ride,” Fox added. “And despite all the challenges, with all the good things comes.”