Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton are set to be awarded honorary Oscars
Four individuals will be honored at the Governors Awards in November, including the actor from “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” who has never received an Academy Award but was nominated for his roles in Magnolia, Rain Man, and Born on the Fourth of July, as well as for producing Top Gun: Maverick.
The special Oscars, which are presented “to honor 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,” will also go to singer Dolly Parton, choreographer, actor, and director Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.
The four were praised by Academy President Janet Yang as “legendary individuals” who have had a “lasting impact.”
“This year’s Governors Awards will honor four iconic figures whose remarkable careers and dedication to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” she added in a statement.
It is a privilege for the Academy’s Board of Governors to acknowledge these outstanding artists.
Debbie Allen is a groundbreaking performer and choreographer whose work has enthralled audiences of all ages and genres. We have all been inspired by Tom Cruise’s amazing dedication to the stunts community, the cinematic experience, and our filmmaking community. Through her unrelenting commitment to charity endeavors, beloved artist Dolly Parton personifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. And thanks to his creative vision and skill, production designer Wynn Thomas has created some of the most enduring movies.
Following in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie, Tyler Perry, and Michael J. Fox, Dolly, who was previously nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for both 9 to 5 and Transamerica, will receive the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award in recognition of her contributions to the industry, which include “promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.”
Last year, author-director Richard Curtis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, while casting director Juliet Taylor and Quincy Jones received the Governors Awards posthumously. Additionally, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the makers of James Bond, received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
The Board of Governors’ vote determines whether the Jean Hersholt and Irving G. Thalberg awards are given out.
