Tom Cruise Receives First-Ever Oscar with Honorary Award at 16th Governors Awards

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise received the prestigious Honorary Academy Award at the 16th Governors Awards in Los Angeles. Presented by filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the award celebrated Cruise’s extraordinary 45-year contribution to global cinema, storytelling, and stunt innovation. In an emotional speech, Cruise reflected on how films shaped his worldview from childhood and emphasized cinema’s unique power to unite audiences across cultures. The evening also recognized Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton—who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. While Cruise has previously earned four competitive Oscar nominations, this lifetime honour marks a landmark moment in his illustrious career.