Tom Cruise, one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history, is celebrated for his remarkable ability to captivate audiences as one of the last great movie stars. Despite his incredible success and resilience, particularly in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise has yet to clinch an Oscar, having received four nominations throughout his illustrious career. However, this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to rectify this oversight by awarding the 62-year-old actor with an Honorary Oscar in November, acknowledging his immense contributions to the film industry.
The Academy's announcement commended Cruise for his unwavering dedication to his craft, particularly his commitment to performing his own stunts. Additionally, his efforts have played a pivotal role in revitalizing the film industry following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, audiences can enjoy Cruise's performance in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. His influence on the box office was particularly notable when Top Gun: Maverick premiered in late spring 2022, ultimately grossing an impressive $1.5 billion worldwide.
Cruise has previously received lead actor Oscar nominations for Born On The Fourth Of July and Jerry Maguire, a supporting actor nomination for Magnolia, and a best picture nomination as a producer for Top Gun: Maverick. He is among four distinguished honorees this year, which also includes choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, pioneering Black production designer Wynn Thomas, and the legendary country singer Dolly Parton.
“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,” stated Janet Yang, Academy President. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is also an Oscar statuette, is awarded to Hollywood figures known for “promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.” Dolly Parton’s charitable endeavors include the Dollywood Foundation, established in 1988, which focuses on championing education for children in Tennessee. Her literacy initiative, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has remarkably distributed over 285 million books worldwide since its inception in 1995.
In addition to her music career, Parton has appeared in notable films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, earning two original song Oscar nominations for her contributions to these films. The four honorees, including Cruise, will be presented with their Honorary Oscars during the Governors Awards ceremony scheduled for November 16.
