Cruise received a lifetime achievement Oscar more than thirty years after his first nomination

Tom Cruise has finally received an Academy Award more than thirty years after his first nomination. The world-famous actor was honoured at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles, where he accepted a lifetime achievement Oscar in front of many leading figures from the film industry. At sixty-three years old, he remains one of the most recognised and influential stars in Hollywood, yet until now, he had never taken home an Oscar of any kind.

The award marks an important milestone in Cruise’s long career. He has been nominated four times in competitive categories but never managed to secure a win. His nominations include best actor for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, best supporting actor for Magnolia and best picture as one of the producers of Top Gun Maverick. The honorary award acknowledges his impact on cinema, both through his roles and through his strong support for theatrical releases at a time when many films have moved to home streaming.

In his acceptance speech, Cruise spoke passionately about the future of cinema. He promised that he would continue to do everything he could to help the art form thrive and to champion new voices entering the industry. He made reference to his reputation for performing his own stunts, telling the audience that he hoped to continue his work without too many more injuries. Fans still recall the moment he broke his ankle while filming a rooftop jump for Mission Impossible Fallout in London in twenty seventeen.

During the ceremony, he was introduced by director Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, who praised Cruise for his influence and suggested that this could be the first of more honours to come. Inarritu described Cruise as someone who does not simply make movies but embodies the spirit of cinema itself. The two have been working together on a project that is expected to be released next year.

Cruise has spoken often about his belief in the importance of the cinema experience. He has been a vocal advocate for theatrical releases in an era where many major titles are sent directly to streaming platforms. His determination to release Top Gun Maverick in cinemas earned praise from Steven Spielberg, who once told him that he had saved cinema. The success of the film reinforced Cruise’s argument that audiences still want to watch major films on the big screen when given the chance.

The Governors Awards are chosen by the board of the Academy in recognition of outstanding contributions to the film world. They are separate from the competitive Oscars ceremony, in which more than ten thousand members vote on the winners. This year’s recipients were honoured for their lasting impact and commitment to filmmaking. Cruise was celebrated for his dedication to the theatrical experience and for the influence of his work across several decades.

In his emotional speech, Cruise spoke about how cinema had shaped his life and taken him around the world. He reflected on how film has helped him understand different cultures while also showing how much people share with one another. He described the experience of sitting in a cinema as a moment where people laugh, feel and hope together regardless of where they come from. He told the audience that making films is not simply his job but a fundamental part of who he is.

Other recipients at the ceremony included Debbie Allen, who was honoured for her work in choreography and acting, and Wynn Thomas, who was recognised for his contributions to production design. Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charitable efforts and her influence beyond entertainment.

The night marked a significant moment in Cruise’s career. After decades of blockbuster success and several near misses at the competitive Oscars, he has finally joined the ranks of Academy Award recipients. His speech, his enthusiasm and the reactions from his peers confirmed the depth of admiration he continues to receive within the industry.