Tom Cruise Finally Gets His Oscar — Academy Honors Action Star in Huge 2025 Announcement

Tom Cruise is getting a major honor later this year at the 2025 Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Cruise will be given an Honorary Oscar at the special event on November 16, which takes place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.

Cruise, now 62, is one of the most famous and successful actors in movie history. He’s been nominated for an Oscar four times, and while he hasn’t won yet, the Academy says this award is to recognize everything he’s done for movies over the years.

According to the Academy’s statement, “One of the most recognized and highest-grossing actors of all time, Cruise has been a committed advocate of the theatrical experience, and he helped to usher the industry through a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Some of his biggest films were mentioned in the announcement, including Risky Business, Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and the Mission: Impossible series. The Academy also gave him credit for doing his own stunts and taking his work very seriously. “Showcasing a deep commitment to his craft,” the release said, pointing to his dedication both on and off screen.

Cruise isn’t the only one being honored this year. Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton are also receiving special awards. Allen and Thomas will receive Honorary Oscars too, while Parton will be given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement, “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.” She added, “Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.”

Yang also praised Allen as a trailblazing choreographer and actor, and called production designer Wynn Thomas a visionary. On Dolly Parton, she said, “Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts.”

The Governors Awards ceremony comes a few months before the next Oscars, which will happen on March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien is returning to host for the second year in a row. He joked in a press release earlier this year, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”

Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026, with early voting starting in December.

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