American actor and producer Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards, marking the first time he has ever been awarded the prestigious statuette, organisers announced on Tuesday.
Cruise will be honoured alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas for their significant contributions to the film industry. In addition, country music legend Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her extensive charitable work spanning several decades. The awards will be presented at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards ceremony in November.
Although Tom Cruise, now 62, has previously been nominated for an Oscar on four occasions, he has yet to win. His global fame has largely been built on blockbuster action franchises such as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, in which he is renowned for performing his own stunts.
In its statement, the Academy praised Cruise’s unwavering dedication to filmmaking, particularly highlighting his passion for the theatrical experience and his support for the stunt community. The Academy described him as “one of the most recognised and highest-grossing actors of all time.”
Debbie Allen, aged 75, is being honoured for a career spanning five decades. She has choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and contributed to numerous films, including the 1995 romantic comedy Forget Paris.
Wynn Thomas will be recognised for his production design on critically acclaimed films such as Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing.
