Tom Cruise Finally Gets First Oscar: ‘Filmmaking Is Who I Am’

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise finally holds an Oscar in his hands, an honorary one, after four nominations without a win. The Mission: Impossible icon received the Academy Honorary Award at the 16th Governors Awards on Sunday night (16 November 2025) in Los Angeles, where he delivered a heartfelt speech calling filmmaking his true identity.

Presented by director Alejandro G Iñárritu, who is helming Cruise's next untitled project set for 2026 release, the four-time nominee said the honour goes beyond a career milestone. "Making films is not what I do, it is who I am," Cruise shared emotionally.

"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."

Cruise, 63, revealed his passion ignited as a child in a dark theatre, mesmerised by the beam of light exploding on screen. "Suddenly, the world was so much larger than the one that I knew," he recalled.

The event, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Ovation Hollywood, also celebrated choreographer Debbie Allen and Do The Right Thing production designer Wynn Thomas with honorary Oscars, while Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via video for her charity work – she skipped due to health issues.

The non-televised ceremony drew A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, Emma Stone and Sydney Sweeney, kicking off awards season buzz.

Cruise's nods came for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire (best actor), Magnolia (supporting actor) and Top Gun: Maverick (best picture). Academy President Janet Yang praised his "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community" when announcing the honour in June.

Many past honorary recipients, like predecessors in the list, later snagged competitive wins – could this be Cruise's good luck charm?