Tom Cruise Secures First Oscar with Honorary Award at Governors Ceremony

Los Angeles – Veteran actor Tom Cruise received his first-ever Academy Award on Sunday, November 16, 2025, accepting an honorary Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The long-awaited recognition celebrates Cruise's extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement and exceptional contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences over his 45-year career. Film industry figures, including director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, presented the award to a standing ovation.

The award addresses a sentiment widely shared among fans and critics, as noted by Matthew Belloni in a recent tweet: "Tom Cruise finally got his (honorary) Oscar just now. One of the biggest oversights in Academy history." Despite four previous competitive Oscar nominations—for Best Actor in "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Jerry Maguire," Best Supporting Actor in "Magnolia," and Best Picture as a producer for "Top Gun: Maverick"—Cruise had never taken home a golden statuette until now.

During his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed profound gratitude and reiterated his deep connection to filmmaking. "Making films is not what I do, it is who I am," he stated, reflecting on his childhood passion for cinema and its power to unite people. He also acknowledged the many collaborators throughout his career, emphasizing their collective contribution to his work.

The 16th Governors Awards also honored other luminaries for their significant contributions to film. Choreographer, actress, and director Debbie Allen, acclaimed production designer Wynn Thomas, and music icon Dolly Parton, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, were recognized alongside Cruise. The event served as a star-studded gathering, with many Hollywood elites present to celebrate the honorees.

This honorary Oscar solidifies Cruise's enduring legacy as a cinematic force, recognized not only for his iconic performances and dedication to theatrical experiences but also for his fervent advocacy for the art form itself. His commitment to pushing boundaries, often performing his own death-defying stunts, and his championing of cinema's power continue to shape the industry.