Tom Cruise will be among four people to receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November. Photo / Gilbert Flores, Variety via Getty Images
Tom Cruise will be among four people to receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November. Photo / Gilbert Flores, Variety via Getty Images
Tom Cruise is to receive an honorary Oscar.
The Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning actor, who has never won an Academy Award but was nominated for his performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Magnolia and Rain Man, and for producing Top Gun: Maverick, is one of fourpeople who will be honoured at the Governors Awards in November.
Singer Dolly Parton, choreographer, actor and director Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas, will also receive the special Oscars, which are given “to honour extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy”.
Academy president Janet Yang hailed the quartet as “legendary individuals” who have made a “lasting impact”. She said in a statement: “This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our film-making community continue to leave a lasting impact.
“The Academy’s board of governors is honoured to recognise 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 film-making community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.
Tom Cruise's method of catching a biplane, as seen in a scene from Mission: Impossible. Photo / Supplied
“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.”
Parton, who was previously nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for 9 to 5 and Transamerica, will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Angelina Jolie, Tyler Perry and Michael J. Fox in receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to recognise how she has brought “credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities”.
Dolly Parton will be honoured for her "unwavering dedication to charitable efforts". Photo / Terry Wyatt, WireImage
Last year, Governors Awards were given to casting director Juliet Taylor and posthumously to Quincy Jones, with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award given to writer and director Richard Curtis.
In addition, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was given to James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The Jean Hersholt and Irving G. Thalberg awards are not always given out and are dependent on the vote of the board of governors.
