Tom Cruise Receives Honorary Oscar, Celebrates Film’s Humanity

Tom Cruise accepted an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards on November 19, 2023, highlighting his deep passion for filmmaking in an emotional speech. The Academy Honorary Award was presented to him by renowned director Alejandro G Inarritu, who is currently collaborating with Cruise on an upcoming film set for release in 2024.

Filmmaking as a Lifelong Passion

During his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed that filmmaking is not merely a profession for him; it is integral to his identity. “It takes me around the world,” he stated. “It helps me to appreciate and respect differences. It shows me also our shared humanity, how alike we are in so, so many ways.”

He emphasized the universality of cinema, saying, “No matter where we come from, in that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together. That is the power of this art form. And that is why it matters, that is why it matters to me. So making films is not what I do; it is who I am.” This heartfelt declaration resonated with the audience, underscoring the profound impact of film on personal and collective experiences.

Cruise joined fellow honorees, choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas, at the ceremony. Notably, many recipients of this prestigious award have not yet won a competitive Academy Award, a category in which Cruise has been nominated four times. He earned nominations for Best Actor in Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, Best Supporting Actor in Magnolia, and for Best Picture with Top Gun: Maverick.

A Love for Cinema Since Childhood

Cruise reminisced about his early love for cinema, recalling childhood memories of watching films. “My love for cinema began at a very early age, as early as I can remember,” he said. “I was just a little kid in a darkened theatre, and I remember that beam of light just cutting across the room. Suddenly, the world was so much larger than the one that I knew.” His reflections illustrated the transformative power of film from a young age, shaping his future in the industry.

Additionally, singer Dolly Parton was recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive charitable work. Although she was unable to attend the ceremony due to health concerns, Parton expressed her gratitude through a video message.

Academy president Janet Yang praised Cruise for his dedication to the filmmaking community. Upon announcing his nomination in June, she remarked on his “incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community.” Yang noted that the ceremony celebrated four legendary individuals whose contributions continue to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

The Governors Awards serve as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the film industry, emphasizing the importance of their work in shaping cinema’s future.