Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and more to receive honorary Oscars

Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, and Debbie Allen will receive honorary Academy Awards at the 2025 Governors Awards, it was announced Tuesday.

Every year, the Academy’s Board of Directors votes to choose up to four recipients of the Governors Award. Academy President Janey Yang said in a statement, “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 stunt community has inspired us all.

Yang said that Parton was receiving a special award, “Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts.

Also, receiving an honorary Oscar is production designer Wynn Thomas who Yang said, “ has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”

Debbie Allen is a choreographer, actress, director, and producer whose credits include ‘Fame,’ Ragtime,’ and ‘The Six Triple Eight.’ She has also choreographed dance routines at the Academy Awards 10 different times, talk about a full circle moment!

Tom Cruise is one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but has only received three acting nominations. He is known for iconic movies like ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ‘Top Gun,’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise.

Dolly Parton is the ultimate country music icon who can be seen in films like ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Steel Magnolias.’ Her philanthropic work goes beyond just music, though. Among many other charitable causes, she has the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which offers free books every month to children from birth to age 5 across the world.

Wynn Thomas is an acclaimed production designer whose work can be seen in ‘Malcom X’ and ‘Hidden Figures,’ among many others.

The 16th annual Governors Awards takes place on November 16 in Hollywood.

Congrats to the recipients!!