Tom Cruise is to receive an honorary Oscar
The 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' actor - who has never won an Academy Award but was nominated for his performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Magnolia and Rain Man, and for producing Top Gun: Maverick -is one of four people who will be honoured at the Governors Awards in November
20 June 2025
Singer Dolly Parton, choreographer, actor and director Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas, will also receive the special Oscars, which are given "to honour extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy".
Academy president Janet Yang hailed the quartet as "legendary individuals" who have made a "lasting impact".
She said in a statement: "This year's Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact.
"The Academy's Board of Governors is honoured to recognise these brilliant artists.
"Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft."
Dolly - who was previously nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for both 9 to 5 and Transamerica - will following in the footsteps of the likes of Angelina Jolie, Tyler Perry and Michael J. Fox in receiving the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award to recognise how she has brought "credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities".
Last year, Governors Awards were given to casting director Juliet Taylor and posthumously to Quincy Jones, with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award given to writer-and-director Richard Curtis. In addition, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was given to James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Both the Jean Hersholt and Irving G. Thalberg awards are not always given out and are dependent on the vote of the Board of Governors.
© 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity
