November 17, (THEWILL) — Hollywood icon, Tom Cruise, has received his first-ever Oscar, an honorary Academy Award, at the 2025 Governors Awards on Sunday night, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, in recognition of his decades-long contribution to cinema.
The 63-year-old actor was met with a standing ovation from industry peers as he accepted the honour.
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who presented the award, praised Cruise for his dedication not just to acting, but to the theatrical experience and the evolution of stunt performance.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Cruise said, “Making films is not what I do, it is who I am.”
He also reflected on his early love for cinema, recalling how he saved every penny as a child just to see a film: “I worked every job I could to earn the price of admission”, he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers, protecting theatres, and advocating for the power of big-screen storytelling.
Cruise, a four-time Oscar nominee, had never taken home a statuette until now.
Also honoured at the ceremony were Dolly Parton, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, as well as Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas, both recognised for their outstanding contributions to film and entertainment.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
