Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas Receive Honorary Oscars At Governors Awards

Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas were honoured on Sunday, November 16, at the 16th Governors Awards, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The Academy celebrated the four for their lasting contributions to acting, music, choreography, and production design, presenting each of them with honorary Oscars.

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is currently collaborating with Cruise on a new film expected in October 2026, handed Cruise his Academy Honorary Award.

The actor, whose decades-long career has shaped modern cinema, became emotional during his acceptance speech.

Cruise spoke about how film brings people together, saying that cinema has taken him around the world and taught him to appreciate differences while recognising shared humanity.

He added that the experience of audiences laughing, feeling, and hoping together is what makes the art form so powerful.

Tom Cruise said, “The cinema, it takes me around the world. It helps me to appreciate and respect differences. It shows me also our shared humanity, how alike we are in so, so many ways.

“And no matter where we come from, in that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, and that is the power of this art form. And that is why it matters, that is why it matters to me. So making films is not what I do, it is who I am.”

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Cruise has earned four Oscar nominations in the past: Best Actor for “Born on the Fourth of July”  and “Jerry Maguire”, Best Supporting Actor for “Magnolia”, and a Best Picture nomination as a producer of “Top Gun: Maverick” .

The honorary award reflects both his body of work and his continued influence on the industry.

Cynthia Erivo presented Debbie Allen with her honorary Oscar earlier in the ceremony.

Allen, known for her achievements in dance and acting, was recognised for her enduring mark on film and television performance.

Production designer Wynn Thomas was also honoured for his extensive career shaping the visual style of numerous films.

Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which celebrates her wide-ranging philanthropic efforts.

Parton, who could not attend because of health issues, accepted the honour through a recorded message.

The ceremony attracted a strong turnout from across the film world, with stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Michael B. Jordan, Sydney Sweeney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emma Stone appearing on the red carpet.

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