Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar for the first time in his career, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday. The award will be presented during the 16th Governors Awards ceremony in November 2025, ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards.

The 62-year-old actor and producer, known globally for blockbuster franchises like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, has previously earned four Oscar nominations but has never won. This honorary Oscar marks a major milestone in his decades-long career.

The Academy praised Cruise for his "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community," and hailed him as "one of the most recognized and highest-grossing actors of all time."

Cruise will be honored alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas. Legendary singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive humanitarian contributions.

Debbie Allen, 75, was recognized for her remarkable five-decade career, which includes choreographing the Academy Awards seven times and contributing to films such as Forget Paris (1995).

Wynn Thomas, known for his work on iconic films including Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing, was commended for his lasting impact on production design in American cinema.

The honorary awards are bestowed to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the art of film, and the upcoming ceremony is expected to be a star-studded celebration of cinematic excellence and legacy.