Tom Cruise was honored with an Academy Honorary Award on November 16 at the Governors Awards, offering an impassioned acceptance speech that highlighted his enduring connection to cinema. The presentation, coming from acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu—who is working with Cruise on a forthcoming film set for release in October 2026—marked a significant moment in film industry recognition for Cruise, reinforcing the importance of the Tom Cruise honorary Oscar.
A Night to Celebrate Achievement in Film
This year’s Governors Awards gathered notable figures in the industry, as actors and filmmakers filled the event, eager for awards season to commence. Among those in attendance were Jennifer Lawrence, Michael B. Jordan, Sydney Sweeney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emma Stone, presenting a dazzling picture of Hollywood’s celebrated talents. The ceremony also saw figures like Cynthia Erivo, who presented an honorary Oscar to choreographer Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas, whose lifetime achievements in production design were recognized. Dolly Parton, unable to attend because of health reasons, received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via a pre-recorded video message.
Tom Cruise Reflects on His Lifelong Passion for Movies
Upon receiving his honorary Oscar, Cruise delivered a heartfelt message expressing deep gratitude for the collaborative spirit that brings films to life and the universal impact of storytelling. He acknowledged everyone involved in the craft and the way film unites audiences across different backgrounds.
“The cinema, it takes me around the world,”
Cruise said.
“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 theater, 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. So making films is not what I do, it is who I am.”
— Tom Cruise, actor
Recalling the Origin of His Love for Film
Cruise shared vivid memories from his childhood when film first captivated him and inspired his journey as an actor. He credited moments in darkened theaters for opening his imagination and sparking his ambition to explore the world through storytelling.
“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 theater, and I remember that beam of light just cut across the room, and I remember looking up, and it seemed to be just exploded on the screen. Suddenly, the world was so much larger than the one that I knew. And entire cultures and lives and landscapes all unfolded in front of me, and it sparked something. It sparked a hunger for adventure, a hunger for knowledge, a hunger to understand humanity, to create characters, to tell a story, to see the world. It opened my eyes. It opened my imagination to the possibility that life could expand far beyond the boundaries that I then perceived in my own life. And that beam of light opened a desire to open the world, and I have been following it ever since.”
— Tom Cruise, actor
Tom Cruise’s History with the Academy Awards
Prior to this honorary recognition, Tom Cruise had earned four Oscar nominations throughout his storied career. He was nominated for Best Actor for his performances in
“Born on the Fourth of July”
and “Jerry Maguire,” as well as Best Supporting Actor for “Magnolia.” He also received a nomination as a producer for Best Picture for “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The Governors Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the impact that longstanding dedication and talent have on the film industry. Cruise’s reflections remind both fans and fellow actors alike of film’s unique power to inspire and connect people worldwide.
The Enduring Influence of Cinema and Cruise’s Legacy
The significance of the Tom Cruise honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards extends beyond a single ceremony. The honor spotlights Cruise as a central figure whose passion and body of work continue to shape Hollywood. As awards season moves forward, Cruise’s evocative words emphasize film as a unifying force, affirming the deep emotional ties that moviegoers and filmmakers share with the big screen.
“Making films is not what I do. It is who I am.”
— Tom Cruise, actor
