Tom Cruise received an Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievement and contributions to filmmaking, spanning over four decades.
Published: November 18, 2025 8:40 PM IST
Tom Cruise received an Academy Honorary Award at the 2025 Governors Awards, recognizing his lifetime achievement and contributions to filmmaking. The 63-year-old actor was honored for his dedication to the craft, spanning over four decades.
A proud moment
In his emotional acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on the power of cinema, recalling his childhood experience of watching movies in a darkened theater. He credited the medium for sparking his passion for adventure, knowledge, and storytelling. “The cinema takes me around the world,” Cruise said, emphasizing its role in fostering global understanding and connection. “It helps me appreciate and respect differences, and shows me our shared humanity, how alike we are in so many ways.
The appreciation for Tom Cruise
Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who presented the award and is directing Cruise in an upcoming film, praised the actor’s commitment to cinema, saying, “Tom Cruise doesn’t just make movies, he is movies.” Cruise’s Honorary Oscar is his first Academy Award, despite four previous nominations.
The iconic Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise’s career is a testament to his dedication to the craft of acting and his passion for delivering high-octane performances. With a career spanning over four decades, he’s become synonymous with action-packed blockbusters and cinematic realism. Cruise’s breakthrough came with “Risky Business” (1983), followed by his iconic portrayal of Maverick in “Top Gun” (1986).
However, it’s his role as Ethan Hunt in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise that’s cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. He’s known for performing his own stunts, often putting his body on the line to deliver authentic and thrilling sequences. Some of his notable films include “Jerry Maguire” (1996), “Magnolia” (1999), “Minority Report” (2002), “The Last Samurai” (2003), and “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022).
Story Highlights
- Tom Cruise received an Academy Honorary Award at the 2025 Governors Awards.
- He delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on the power of cinema and its impact on his life.
- Cruise credited the medium for sparking his passion for adventure, knowledge, and storytelling.
- The event honored Cruise’s contributions to filmmaking, spanning over four decades.
Tom Cruise’s Honorary Oscar win is a testament to his enduring legacy in Hollywood, celebrating his contributions to the world of cinema and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
