Winning or being nominated for an Academy Award is a huge deal in Hollywood. However, the same is true for receiving an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just announced the 2025 recipients. According to Deadline, Tom Cruise is among them.Â
Naturally, the “Mission: Impossible” star isn’t the person on the list for an honorary Oscar. Legendary singer, dancer, actress, and choreographer Debbie Allen is also being bestowed the honor at this year’s Governors Awards.Â
The same is true for Wynn Thomas. Wynn is a well-known production designer who has frequently collaborated with Spike Lee. Dolly Parton is also being honored at the ceremony with the Academyâs Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.Â
The honorary Oscar trophies will be handed out on November 16th at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. The awards are not televised, but the winners will also be acknowledged during the Academy Awards.
Statements About the Recipients
Academy President Janet Yang announced the 2025 honorary Oscar recipients by saying, “This yearâs Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact. The Academyâs Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists.”
The statement said about Debbie Allen, “Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres.” Regarding Tom Cruise, “Tom Cruiseâs incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunt community has inspired us all.”
It continued to highlight Wynn Thomas, saying, “Production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”Â
Reading Dolly Parton, the statement said, “Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts.”
Last Year’s Honorary Oscar Awards
The Honorary Oscar has been around since 1929. Regarding the 2024 recipients, according to The Hollywood Reporter, they include Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Notably, they are sibling Bond producers.Â
Writer Richard Curtis was also among the recipients, having received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Legendary composer and producer Quincy Jones, as well as casting director Juliet Taylor, were also honored. The previous year included Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, film editor Carol Littleton, and the Sundance Instituteâs Michelle Satter.Â
Regarding the importance of the Honorary Oscar, the Academy said it’s intended “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.”
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