Tom Cruise to Receive Honorary Oscar

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that Tom Cruise will be honored with an Honorary Oscar, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to cinema. The award will be presented at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. The event will recognize Cruise’s four-decade career as an actor, producer, and advocate for the theatrical experience and stunt community.

Cruise, 62, has redefined blockbuster filmmaking with his daring stunts and commitment to storytelling. His 2022 hit “Top Gun: Maverick” was credited with revitalizing theaters post-pandemic, underscoring his influence on the industry.

His filmography includes his Oscar-nominated acting roles in “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “Magnolia,” as well as the Oscar-nominated “Top Gun: Maverick,” for which he earned a Best Picture nomination as a producer. His other notable film credits include “Risky Business,” “A Few Good Men,” “Interview with the Vampire,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Vanilla Sky,” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

His fearless approach to performing high-risk stunts, from scaling the Burj Khalifa to piloting fighter jets, has set a new standard for action filmmaking. The Academy’s decision to honor him comes as a nod to this unparalleled stunt work, especially as they plan to add a new category for “Achievement in Stunt Design" starting with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, which will recognize films released in 2027. This honorary award serves as a tribute to Cruise’s groundbreaking contributions to the craft, which have inspired countless filmmakers and performers.