Hollywood: Tom Cruise has received the first-ever Oscar, marking a major milestone in a decades-long film career.
The 63-year-old actor was honoured with an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in Hollywood, alongside singer-philanthropist Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.
Tom Cruise stated that making films “is not what I do, it is who I am,” highlighting a lifelong passion for cinema in an acceptance speech that celebrated both the art and the people behind it. The speech paid tribute to filmmakers, cast, and crew across a 45-year career, emphasising the unifying power of movies to connect audiences globally.
Upon receiving the award, Tom Cruise was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation from notable figures in the industry, including Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Alejandro G Iñárritu, director of an upcoming Tom Cruise film, presented the actor with the Governors Award.
Tom Cruise noted that cinema has expanded the worldview and imagination, fostering appreciation for differences while highlighting shared human experiences. The theatre provides a space where audiences laugh, hope, dream, and feel together, reinforcing why film has always mattered deeply.
A four-time Oscar nominee, Tom Cruise has been recognised for performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and as a producer of Top Gun: Maverick. The Academy’s Board of Governors cited Tom Cruise’s “incredible commitment to the filmmaking community, the theatrical experience, and the stunts community” in selecting the honorary award recipient.
Renowned for performing personal stunts, Tom Cruise has championed cinema amidst the rise of streaming platforms and social media. The actor reaffirmed a commitment to supporting the art form, nurturing new voices, and protecting what makes film powerful. Earlier this year, Tom Cruise reportedly declined recognition from US President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center honours due to scheduling conflicts.
With the honorary Oscar, Tom Cruise cements a legacy as both an accomplished actor and a devoted advocate for the cinematic experience. This first Oscar represents the culmination of a career dedicated to entertaining and inspiring audiences worldwide.
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