Tom Cruise will be receiving Honorary Oscar at 2025 Governors Awards

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise will be one of the four distinguished personalities honoured at the 16th Governors Awards ceremony, set to take place in Los Angeles on November 16, 2025. Known for his enduring star power, daring stunts, and commitment to cinematic excellence, Cruise is set to receive an Honorary Oscar, marking a significant moment in his celebrated career.

"Tom Cruise received his first Oscar nomination 35 years ago, and now, in 2025, he will be awarded an Honorary Oscar." The 62-year-old actor has built a legacy through blockbuster franchises such as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. "Cruise has received three acting nominations for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia and a Best Picture nomination for Top Gun: Maverick."

His most recent project, Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, created waves globally upon its release earlier this year. The film premiered in India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia-New Zealand on May 17, followed by its release in other international markets on May 23. Cruise's ability to draw audiences back to theatres, even in the streaming era, has solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.

Joining Cruise on the Governors Awards honour roll are three other trailblazers. "Queen of the world of music and acting, Dolly Parton, will be given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award." With a philanthropic legacy that includes distributing over 285 million books through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, Parton is being recognised for her social work.

Debbie Allen, an acclaimed choreographer and actress, is also set to receive an Honorary Oscar. "Debbie Allen, best known for her work in Fame and Grey's Anatomy, will also receive an honorary Oscar." She has choreographed the Oscars seven times and has been a force in front of and behind the camera for decades.

Production designer Wynne Thomas rounds out this year’s honourees. "Vin brought films like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Hidden Figures, and A Beautiful Mind to life with his designs." Known for his long-standing collaboration with Spike Lee, Thomas becomes only the second production designer ever to receive this prestigious honour.

"Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynne Thomas will be honoured at the 16th Governors Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 16." Cruise, in particular, is being recognised for his unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking and his unparalleled contributions to the global film industry.