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Tom Cruise finally got its much-anticipated Oscar moment on Sunday night, accepting an honorary award at the 16th Governors Awards with a deeply personal tribute to the power of film and the people who make it possible. The milestone honor – his first ever Oscar – came alongside fellow honorees Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas and Dolly Parton, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Presented by filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is currently directing Cruise in an untitled upcoming 2026 film, the award capped a four-decade career that has shaped — and often redefined — the modern blockbuster. Tom Cruise took the stage to a standing ovation before giving an emotional, reflective speech focusing on the unifying power of movies around the world.
“The cinema, it takes me around the world,” Cruise said. “It helps me appreciate and respect differences. It also shows me our shared humanity, how similar we are in so, so many ways. And no matter where we come from, in that theater, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, and that’s the power of this art form. And that’s why it matters, that’s why it matters to me. So making movies is not what I do.”
Cruise also made a promise to the industry that has defined his life: “I want you to know that I will do everything I can for this art form, to support and fight for new voices, to protect what makes cinema powerful. Hopefully without too many more broken bones.”
The Governors Awards, held in partnership with Rolex, celebrated four artists whose work spans genres and generations. Cynthia Erivo presented Debbie Allen with her honorary award earlier in the evening, while production designer Wynn Thomas received her statue for a lifetime of cinematic craftsmanship. Dolly Parton, who was unable to attend due to health issues, accepted her humanitarian honor via a recorded message.
The ceremony drew an award-season-ready roster, including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, Ariana Grande, Sydney Sweeney, Dwayne Johnson and others — underscoring the importance of this year’s awards.
Before the ceremony, Cruise and Allen were seen celebrating at a lively party hosted by Allen, with videos showing the couple dancing to “Candy” by Cameo and “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze alongside Phylicia Rashad, Jenifer Lewis and Jennifer Hudson. “@tomcruise is invited to the barbecue,” joked DJ and producer D-Nice while sharing the viral clip.
The Academy first announced the awards in June 2025, with Academy President Janet Yang praising Cruise as a “committed advocate of the theater experience,” noting his leadership during the pandemic and his influence on the stunt community. Despite four previous nominations – for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnoliaand Top Gun: Maverick as a producer, this honorary Oscar marks Cruise’s long-awaited first Oscar win.
A mission long awaited, now completed. Congratulations, Tom Cruise – and thank you for the extraordinary legacy you continue to build on screen.
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