Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Others Receive Honorary Oscars November

Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar at the 16th annual Governors Awards in November 2025, recognizing his lifetime contributions to cinema, his commitment to the theatrical experience, and his dedication to performing his own stunts. Despite four previous Oscar nominations for acting and producing, this honor marks his first Oscar win. Alongside Cruise, choreographer and actor Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas will also receive honorary Oscars, while Dolly Parton will be awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts. The Academy president highlighted Cruise as Hollywood's last real movie star and praised his impact on the filmmaking community and box office success. The awards ceremony will be held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles and is part of the Academy's effort to honor extraordinary careers and contributions to film. This recognition comes ahead of the introduction of a stunt category at the Oscars in 2027, which Cruise will just miss eligibility for.