Hollywood celebrated Tom Cruise’s impressive 45-year career with an honorary Oscar on Sunday. Director Alejandro Inarritu, who worked with Cruise on an upcoming film, introduced him at the event. Inarritu praised Cruise’s precision, noting that it wasn’t just his daring stunts but his careful approach to each move that made him stand out. “It’s how precisely he decides to move, those tiny calibrations,” Inarritu said.
Cruise, who has been nominated for four Oscars but has yet to win, was honored for his roles in iconic films such as Risky Business, Top Gun, and the Mission: Impossible series. Beyond his action-packed roles, Cruise has become a passionate advocate for the film industry, especially as it faces challenges from streaming services and social media.
During his acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on his childhood love for movies and how they inspired him. He recalled how seeing films in theaters made the world feel larger. He also shared his dedication to supporting cinema and helping new voices in the industry, humorously adding, “hopefully without too many more broken bones,” referencing his past injury while performing a stunt.
The event also honored other industry giants. Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charitable work, including founding a library that has distributed over 300 million books. Actor and choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also recognized for their contributions to film and the arts.
