Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars, will finally be awarded an honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced. Despite his stellar box office success and four Academy Award nominations, Cruise has never won an Oscar—until now.
The 62-year-old actor will be honored alongside choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, visionary production designer Wynn Thomas, and legendary singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton. The ceremony will take place on November 16 at Ovation Hollywood, ahead of the main Oscars event in March 2026.
Cruise’s award marks a long-overdue recognition of a career that spans decades, including major performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and Top Gun: Maverick. He’s also renowned for performing his own stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise and has been a vocal supporter of theatrical film releases—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Academy President Janet Yang described the honorees as “individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact.” Cruise was specifically lauded for his unwavering dedication to cinema and advocacy for the theatrical experience.
Debbie Allen, 75, will also be recognized for her multifaceted impact as a choreographer, actress, and producer. Though she’s never received an Oscar nomination, her acclaimed work spans films such as Ragtime, Amistad, and Fame, along with multiple Academy Awards choreography credits.
Wynn Thomas, known for his collaborations with Spike Lee and contributions to A Beautiful Mind, will be honored for his groundbreaking production design and artistic vision.
Country music icon Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. With initiatives like the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, which has donated nearly 285 million books globally, Parton’s charitable efforts have made a significant global impact. She has also been twice nominated for an Oscar for her original songs.
The Governors Awards, now in its 16th year, celebrates outstanding contributions to the art of filmmaking and humanitarian efforts within the industry. While the ceremony is not televised, it remains one of the most prestigious events leading up to the Oscars.