Tom Cruise to Receive Honorary Oscar: His Academy Awards History

Tom Cruise is among one of four celebrities who will be receiving an honorary Oscar at the 16th annual Governors Awards. The ceremony is set to take place on November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.

The honorary Oscar is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy,” per a statement from the Academy. Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas and Dolly Parton will also be receiving their honorary Academy Awards alongside Cruise.

Cruise has had a long history with the Academy Awards, from his numerous nominations to disappointing snubs. In honor of the actor’s upcoming celebratory night, Us Weekly revisits the actor’s past Oscar-nominated roles:

Has Tom Cruise Ever Won an Oscar?

Cruise has never won an Oscar, but, he has been nominated for the prestigious award four times. He received his first Best Actor nomination for his role in 1989’s Born on the Fourth of July. He ultimately lost to Daniel Day-Lewis, who ended up taking home the award for My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown.

The second Oscar nomination for Cruise came after his role in 1996’s Jerry Maguire. Geoffrey Rush took home the trophy that year for Best Actor for his work in Shine.

Cruise earned a Best Supporting Actor nod for 1999’s Magnolia, losing to Michael Caine for his role in The Cider House Rules.

Most recently, Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick earned a nomination for Best Picture at the 2023 ceremony. He served as a producer on the action drama, along with reprising his role as Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the sequel. Everything Everywhere All at Once took home the biggest award of the night at the Oscars that year.

Tom Cruise Set to Receive Honorary Oscar

It was announced in June 2025 that Cruise would be the recipient of an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards. Allen and Thomas will also be receiving honorary Oscars, while Parton will be taking home the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

“This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” Academy President Janet Yang said. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.”

She continued, “Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”

The Academy praised Cruise for being “a committed advocate of the theatrical experience” who “helped to usher the industry through a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic.” He was applauded for “showcasing a deep commitment to his craft – including performing all of his own stunts.”