Tom Cruise is finally getting his Oscar—just not the competitive kind. After 35 years since his first nomination, Cruise will be honored with an honorary Academy Award at the 2025 Governors Awards, recognizing his decades-long impact on Hollywood.
Joining Cruise in receiving honorary Oscars are:
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Debbie Allen, the acclaimed choreographer, actress, and producer who has choreographed seven Oscar ceremonies.
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Wynn Thomas, the influential production designer known for his collaborations with Spike Lee and work on films like A Beautiful Mind.
Additionally, Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive charitable efforts, including her work in literacy through the Imagination Library and other philanthropic ventures.
Academy President Janet Yang praised all four honorees for their exceptional contributions to cinema and society. She highlighted Cruise’s unwavering support for theatrical filmmaking and his role in championing the stunt and action communities.
Despite four Oscar nominations (for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and Top Gun: Maverick as producer), Cruise had never won—until now. This honor acknowledges not only his screen legacy but his behind-the-scenes influence during challenging periods like the pandemic.
The awards will be presented at an untelevised ceremony on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.
