'The Man Who Saved Hollywood' Tom Cruise Wins Academy Honorary Award... Emphasizes 'Making Movies is Myself' Dedication

Hollywood's top action star Tom Cruise reached the pinnacle of his 45-year acting career by winning the Academy Honorary Award on November 16. At the 16th Governors Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, Cruise delivered an emotional acceptance speech stating, "Making movies is not what I do, it is myself", emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the film industry.

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu presented the trophy to Cruise. Currently working on an undisclosed new project with Cruise, Iñárritu made a significant remark, saying, "This is not Tom's last Oscar", adding anticipation for his next steps. The ceremony was attended by many masters who have worked with Cruise, including Steven Spielberg, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McQuarrie, who celebrated his achievements.

Recognized for Contributions to Reviving Theaters... Honor After Four Nominations

Cruise has been nominated for the competitive Oscar category four times for films such as 'Born on the Fourth of July', 'Jerry Maguire', 'Magnolia', 'Top Gun: Maverick', but had not won until now. This honorary award was given in recognition of his "unwavering dedication to the film production community, important support for the theater experience, and unparalleled body of work".

In particular, his significant contribution to bringing audiences back to theaters through 'Top Gun: Maverick' during the COVID-19 pandemic was highly praised. An anecdote from the 2023 Oscar nominee luncheon where Steven Spielberg praised Cruise for "saving Hollywood" reflects the industry's overall assessment.

"I Will Help the Art Form Without Injury"

In his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed his gratitude to the many staff members who have made his films, becoming emotional. He recalled the moment he was captivated by movies in a theater in New Jersey as a child, stating, "Movies take me around the world and make me respect and appreciate differences." He also humorously added, "I will always do my best to help this art form" and hoped, "without too many injuries," receiving applause.

At the ceremony, Dolly Parton received the Humanitarian Award, and Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas also received honorary awards. Many actors, including Ariana Grande, Jacob Elordi, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jennifer Lawrence, attended the event, creating a grand atmosphere. The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held on March 15, 2026.