Tom Cruise received an Academy Honorary Award at the 2025 Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday (November 16) in Hollywood, Calif.

The award was presented by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is directing Cruise in an upcoming, as-yet-untitled film set to be released in Oct. 2026.

Upon accepting the award, Cruise gave an emotional speech paying tribute to all of the people who make films possible, as well as the unifying power of cinema.

Tom Cruise accepted his award and used his speech to thank the many people who make films possible. He also explained why cinema matters to him. "The cinema takes me around the world," the Mission: Impossible star said. "It helps me to appreciate and respect differences. It also shows me our shared humanity, how alike we are in so, so many ways"

Cruise continued, "And no matter where we come from, in that theater, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, and that is the power of this art form. And that is why it matters, that is why it matters to me. So making films is not what I do, it is who I am."

As always, the Governors Awards took place in front of dozens of current Oscar hopefuls. In addition to supporting the ceremony’s honorees, they turn out to see and be seen by the many Academy members in the room and following along on social media. Among those in attendance this year: Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ariana Grande, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Wagner Moura, Jessie Buckley, Adam Sandler, Tessa Thompson, Stellan Skarsgård Amy Madigan.

Source: Press Release