Tom Cruise To Receive Honorary Oscars

Summary

• Global star Tom Cruise will receive his first Academy Award, an Honorary Oscar, after four previous nominations
• This marks his first Academy Award, coming 35 years after his initial Oscar nomination

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its esteemed recipients for the 16th annual Governors Awards, a night dedicated to recognizing extraordinary contributions to film. Among the luminaries set to receive honorary Oscar statuettes are global superstar Tom Cruise, trailblazing choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, and visionary production designer Wynn Thomas. Additionally, country music legend Dolly Parton will be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The awards will be presented at an untelevised ceremony on November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.

For Tom Cruise, this marks his first Academy Award, coming 35 years after his initial Oscar nomination. Though he has been nominated four times for his acting and producing work (including Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and Top Gun: Maverick), a competitive Oscar has eluded him. Academy President Janet Yang praised Cruise’s “incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community,” highlighting his unwavering dedication to big-screen spectacle and his role in championing theatrical releases.

In addition, Tom Cruise is joined by Debbie Allen, a multi-hyphenate talent who will be celebrated for her vast impact across dance, film, and television. The contributions of Wynn Thomas to the visual storytelling of cinema will also be honored.