Honorary Oscars Being Given to Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, & More Ahead of 2026 Academy Awards!
Tom Cruise will finally become an Oscar recipient later this year!
The 62-year-old actor has been announced as an Honorary Oscar winner and he’ll receive his award at the Governor Awards ahead of the 2026 Oscars.
Tom has previously been nominated for four Oscars – Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July in 1990, Best Actor for Jerry Maguire in 1997, Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia in 2000, and Best Picture for producing Top Gun: Maverick in 2023.
Three other people have been announced as honorary winners: Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.
Dolly is receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropy work while Tom, Debbie, and Wynn are all getting Honorary Awards.
Keep reading to find out more…
The Jean Hersholt Award is given to “an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.”
Honorary Awards are 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.”
Academy president Janet Yang said in a statement, “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. 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. 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 Oscar statuettes will be presented at the Governor Awards on November 16, 2025.