Selma Blair honored with CineHealth Lifetime Achievement Award amid MS battle

Selma Blair was honored with the CineHealth Lifetime Achievement Award during the CineHealth Festival in Philadelphia over the weekend, recognizing her ongoing contributions to film, television, fashion and disability advocacy while she continues to navigate multiple sclerosis. The award salutes individuals whose work educates, empowers and inspires those facing health challenges. Blair arrived at the ceremony by helicopter, flanked by her service dog Scout, and proceeded directly to the stage in a sleek black gown and heels. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Still, I’m pinching myself … From a helicopter ride straight to the stage (!!) to stepping out in my @alexandrebirman heels, it was a night to remember.”

Best known for her roles in Legally Blonde, The Sweetest Thing and Hellboy, Blair has also become a leading voice for disability representation since publicly sharing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. Her journey has been documented in the award-winning film Introducing, Selma Blair, and she authored the memoir Mean Baby, which drew praise for its raw honesty and resilience. Blair has also raised awareness for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, broadening her advocacy for people living with invisible illnesses. Her willingness to speak openly has helped normalize conversations about health and inspired many to pursue their goals despite adversity.

This year, Blair has said she is doing amazingly well and has regained stamina and energy, a message she has echoed in recent public remarks. She has three films in production in early stages of development: Stay Forte, a drama about the Israel-Hamas war; a supernatural thriller called Silent; and a twin-relationship drama There There. In January, Variety reported the slate and Blair told outlets that she was back at work and hopeful about announcing new projects soon.

Blair has emphasized that her health journey remains a central part of her life and career, with continued emphasis on helping others navigate chronic illness. In interviews, she has described how she once faced a relapse and the importance of finding doctors who listen and tailor treatment. She has credited Mavenclad as a key part of her ongoing therapy, noting improvements in movement and speech and expressing gratitude for the possibility of resuming a fuller professional life. Blair has urged fans and patients to seek ongoing care and to pursue ambitions even when health challenges loom, a theme she has carried into public appearances and advocacy.

The actress has also highlighted the broader trend among peers who have chosen to speak publicly about their MS experiences. Blair cited Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler as friends who have openly discussed their own journeys, praising their openness as part of a larger effort to normalize conversations about disability and illness within Hollywood and beyond.

The CineHealth Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Blair’s multi-decade career and her sustained advocacy for disability visibility and health education. The ceremony places Blair alongside a lineage of artists who have used their platforms to educate audiences about health challenges, while continuing to contribute to film, television and fashion. Blair’s work in both entertainment and advocacy has positioned her as a prominent voice for resilience and inclusion, even as she continues to navigate the practical realities of living with MS. As she moves forward with upcoming projects and selective public appearances, Blair remains focused on inspiring others to dream, set goals and pursue opportunities, regardless of the obstacles they face.