Tom Cruise, 62, who has been nominated for an Oscar four times but has never won, will receive an honorary Oscar, along with Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that awards the Oscars, announced that Cruise will receive the honor in recognition of his outstanding career. The Academy praised Cruise not only for his dedication to filmmaking but also for performing his own stunts and his efforts to help the film industry recover after the devastation of the pandemic.
Cruise, who can currently be seen on the big screen in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, played a significant role in revitalizing the film industry when his movie Top Gun: Maverick opened in 2022, grossing $1.5 billion worldwide.
His first nomination was in 1990 for his portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran in Born on the Fourth of July. He received two other acting nominations since then, for Jerry Maguire (1996) and Magnolia (1999), as well as a nomination as one of the producers on Top Gun: Maverick at the 2023 Oscars. During that event, he was praised by Steven Spielberg, who told Cruise, "You saved Hollywood's ass and you might have saved theatrical distribution."
Academy President Janet Yang stated in a press release: "This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft."
The four honorees will be presented with their honorary Oscars at the Governors Awards ceremony on November 16, 2025 at Ovation Hollywood. ~Alexandra Heilbron
So cool! He really deserves this.
Pfffft. I suppose I can understand honoring him for how his box office success has helped keep the studio-film industry afloat, but his movies are execrable and he's not a good actor, with the exception of his performance in Magnolia (and to a certain degree Born on the 4th of July). Good for him, I guess.
I’m so happy for Tom! He truly deserves this honor!!! He’s a fantastic actor.
A dime a dozen. Now his name will be added to a list and he (his staff) will have a trophy to dust.
I think all 4 of the honored people deserve it. America needs to practice more Kudos and spend less time judging.
He is amazing in everything he does. Congratulations well deserved. Long overdue.
Words don’t explain what a magnificent actor he is. His talents are far above what anyone else has done. Thank you Tom??
What about Glenn Close? She has done much more memorable roles than he. Where is her Oscar?