Legendary actor Tom Cruise was recently bestowed with one of the Academy’s highest honours at the Governors Awards on November 16. He received the Academy Honorary Award Oscar, marking a significant moment in his four-decade career. The actor was honoured with a standing ovation as he received the award, during which he reflected on the influence of cinema on his life and the communities it reaches in his emotional speech.

Tom Cruise receives Honorary Oscar

The award was presented to Cruise by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is directing the actor in an upcoming, as-yet-untitled film set to be released in October 2026. Upon accepting the award, Cruise delivered an emotional speech paying tribute to all the people who make films possible, as well as the unifying power of cinema.