Hollywood legend Tom Cruise will be one of four acclaimed individuals receiving honorary Oscars at the 16th annual Governors Awards, scheduled to occur on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood, Variety reports.
Rounding out the honorees as Cruise are actor-choreographer Debbie Allen, production designer Wynn Thomas, and country music icon Dolly Parton, who is also receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her humanitarian work.
Academy President Janet Yang had kind words about this year's recipients in a statement, noting, "This year's Governors Awards will honor four legendary figures whose remarkable careers and dedication to our filmmaking community continue to leave an indelible mark."
She called Allen "a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has inspired generations and transcended genres." Yang also praised Cruise's dedication to the film world: "Tom Cruise's unwavering commitment to our film community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has motivated us all.
On Parton's win, Yang said, "Much-loved performer Dolly Parton shows the true spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award with her steadfast commitment to philanthropic activities." Thomas, by contrast, was honored for his body of work: "Production designer Wynn Thomas has created some of the most timeless movies with a visionary eye and command of his craft."
The Honorary Award is given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to people for "extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy."
Tom Cruise, who is famous for his box office reign and stunt-performing willingness—performing stunts himself, that is—is a three-time Academy Award nominee for his performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia. He was also the key driver in the return of theatergoing after COVID with global smash Top Gun: Maverick.
Debbie Allen, with her diverse career in choreography, acting, and production, has choreographed the Oscars ceremony seven times. Her on-screen credits are Forget Paris, A Jazzman's Blues, and The Six Triple Eight.
Trailblazing Black production designer Wynn Thomas started working on Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It and went on to contribute to the visual identity of classics like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Da 5 Bloods.
Dolly Parton, a pop culture and entertainment giant, has over 100 million records sold, 49 studio albums, and film credits in such classics as Nine to Five and Steel Magnolias. She was twice nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song—Nine to Five and Travelin' Thru from Transamerica. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award she will be receiving recognizes those in the movie industry whose philanthropy serves to bring recognition to the industry by their impact on society.
Every year, the Academy reviews a diverse group of candidates for these lifetime honors. Last year's Governors Awards honored posthumously Quincy Jones, while also recognizing casting legend Juliet Taylor, director Richard Curtis, and veteran James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
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