In a landmark moment for one of cinema's most enduring stars, Tom Cruise has been honoured with an Academy Award. The 63-year-old actor received his long-awaited Oscar at the Governors Awards in a ceremony that celebrated his profound impact on the film industry.
A Lifelong Passion for Cinema
Accepting the prestigious Academy Honorary Award, Cruise delivered a deeply personal speech that moved the audience. He was presented the award by director Alejandro G Iñárritu, who is set to direct Cruise in his next film project.
Cruise traced his devotion to filmmaking back to his earliest memories, telling the crowd: "My love for cinema began at a very early age, as early as I can remember." He vividly recalled being "just a little kid in a darkened theatre" mesmerised by the "beam of light just cut across the room" that seemed to be "exploding on the screen." This experience, he explained, revealed a world "so much larger than the one that I knew."
The Power of Film and Shared Humanity
The four-time Oscar nominee elaborated on how his craft has taken him around the globe, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures while revealing what connects us all. He emphasised cinema's unique ability to unite audiences, stating: "No matter where we come from, in that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, and that is the power of this art form."
For Cruise, this transcendent quality explains why cinema matters so deeply to him. He powerfully declared: "So making films is not what I do, it is who I am." This statement encapsulated the heartfelt sentiment that defined his acceptance speech during the Tuesday 18 November 2025 ceremony.
Recognition from the Academy and Fellow Honourees
Upon the announcement of his nomination in June, Academy president Janet Yang praised Cruise's "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community." She noted that the Governors Awards aimed to celebrate "four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact."
This honorary award holds particular significance as Cruise has been nominated for competitive Oscars four times without winning:
- Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July
- Best Actor for Jerry Maguire
- Supporting Actor for Magnolia
- Best Picture for Top Gun: Maverick
The ceremony also honoured other notable figures. Singer Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive charitable work, though health concerns prevented her attendance. She conveyed her thanks via video message, reassuring fans about her condition.
Additional honourees included choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas, making the event a celebration of diverse contributions to the cinematic arts.
