Los Angeles: Tom Cruise, one of the most enduring stars in Hollywood, finally received his first Oscar at the Academy’s Governors Awards. The 63‑year‑old actor was honored with an honorary statuette in recognition of his four decades at the forefront of the film industry.
Cruise appeared emotional as he accepted the award, telling the audience that filmmaking is not simply his profession but his identity. He described cinema as a shared experience where audiences laugh, hope, and feel together. His remarks followed a lengthy standing ovation from the star‑studded crowd.
The ceremony also honored other icons. Production designer Wynn Thomas was recognized for his groundbreaking work on films such as Malcolm X and A Beautiful Mind. Choreographer and actor Debbie Allen received a career achievement award, recalling her decades of influence on stage and screen. Country music legend Dolly Parton was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her lifelong philanthropy, though she was unable to attend the ceremony.
Cruise’s career has spanned blockbuster franchises and acclaimed dramas, with four previous Oscar nominations but no wins. A montage of his work, from Taps to Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, highlighted his dedication to performing his own stunts and his commitment to the theater experience.
Oscar‑winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu presented Cruise with the award, noting that while this may be his first Oscar, it will not be his last. The two are currently collaborating on a film scheduled for release in 2026.
The Governors Awards drew a glittering audience including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Sydney Sweeney, Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, and Jacob Elordi, signaling the start of Hollywood’s awards season.
Cruise paid tribute to his fellow honorees, praising Dolly Parton’s compassion, Wynn Thomas’s artistry, and Debbie Allen’s lifelong dedication to the arts. The evening was described as a celebration of cinema’s past, present, and future.