At the 16th Governors Awards held on Sunday at Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom, Tom Cruise received an Honorary Oscar, making the “Tom Cruise Honorary Oscar” a standout event of the evening. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also honored Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas, while Dolly Parton accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from afar.
A Night Filled with Legendary Achievements and Emotional Tributes
The annual Governors Awards, produced by Jennifer Fox, gathered a glittering array of filmmakers, actors, and Oscar hopefuls under one roof, including director Guillermo del Toro and his Frankenstein cast—Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth—alongside composer Alexandre Desplat and costume designer Kate Hawley. Other notable attendees included Noah Baumbach and Adam Sandler from Jay Kelly, Edward Berger with Colin Farrell from Ballad of a Small Player, and Kate Winslet, who arrived with writer Joe Anders from Goodbye June. Established directors Clint Bentley, Richard Linklater, and Rian Johnson supported their film casts, and the night saw dazzling appearances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo of Wicked: For Good, Ethan Hawke from Blue Moon, and filmmaker Chloé Zhao from Hamnet.
Some expected guests, like Timothée Chalamet, Paul Mescal, and Russell Crowe, were missing, but the overall star power remained undiminished. The event showcased a cross-section of Hollywood’s established icons and emerging talents, offering attendees a unique chance for candid interactions and reunions.
Celebrities Honored for Lifetime Contributions
Wynn Thomas, trailblazing African American production designer, was celebrated with his first Oscar, which Octavia Spencer presented. Thomas, the first African American to break into multiple industry milestones—including joining the Art Directors Guild and being nominated for its award—has shaped films for Spike Lee, Ron Howard, and Tim Burton, such as Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Hidden Figures, and A Beautiful Mind.
Reminiscing about his upbringing and journey in his speech, Thomas said,
The local gangs looked down on me and called me a sissy. But that sissy grew up to work with some great filmmakers!
—Wynn Thomas, Production Designer. His story resonated with many, epitomizing the event’s celebration of overcoming adversity.
Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked: For Good, paid tribute to recipient Debbie Allen, whom she warmly called “Auntie.” Allen, an essential figure in dance and acting, acknowledged Tom Cruise’s iconic status as she referenced his role in Risky Business, teasing the actor,
we loved when you slid out in those tightie-whities.
—Debbie Allen, Choreographer and Actor. Laughter filled the room, underscoring Cruise’s lasting place in Hollywood lore.
The Prestige of the Honorary and Humanitarian Academy Awards
Explaining the criteria for the Honorary Oscar, the Academy emphasized its intention
to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar, recognizes
an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.
This year’s ceremony also commemorated icons such as Quincy Jones, who was the first Black producer nominated for best picture, as well as acclaimed casting director Juliet Taylor and creators Richard Curtis, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli of the James Bond franchise.
Tom Cruise’s Triumph Marks a New Era
A major highlight was two-time best director winner Alejandro González Iñárritu presenting Tom Cruise with the Honorary Oscar, describing him as “the embodiment of movies.” Iñárritu, who is set to direct Cruise in a forthcoming Warner Bros. film, positioned Cruise’s honor as both a recognition and possibly an omen of new heights for the actor-producer.
The moment Cruise stepped on stage, the room’s energy shifted. Sydney Sweeney was so moved she froze when Cruise neared her, sharing,
I don’t even know what to say.
Moments like these underscored Cruise’s influence across generations, leaving both peers and rising stars in awe.
Andra Day, an ardent Cruise fan, showed her excitement by straightening the star’s undone button, a candid moment that further displayed Cruise’s charm and approachability.
Unforgettable Performances and Lighthearted Moments
Will Arnett, known for his comic roles and for starring in Bradley Cooper’s film Is This Thing On?, joked in his introduction,
You might know me from my storied film career — and the story is thanks to Bradley Cooper, he finally made a good one, huh?
—Will Arnett, Actor. He then introduced Andra Day, who captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” following Parton’s pre-recorded acceptance.
Lily Tomlin’s tribute to Dolly Parton stood out, as she had the audience laughing during her 15-minute, impromptu introduction. Joking about her double-vision and recalling slumber parties with Jane Fonda and Parton during their work on the comedy classic 9 to 5, Tomlin quipped,
Can you picture Brando inviting Pacino and Duvall over for a sleepover?
—Lily Tomlin, Comedian. Her lively humor bridged generations within the gathering.
Behind the Scenes: Star Interactions and Special Encounters
Ariana Grande charmed attendees by meeting EJAE, the vocalist behind the year’s chart-topper “Golden,” solidifying the Governors Awards’ reputation for unexpected but memorable moments. Grande also mingled with singer-songwriter Aiyana-Lee from Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, highlighting the event’s blend of cinematic and musical talents.
Austin Butler, celebrated for Elvis, moved between guests as an informal usher, seen guiding Wake Up Dead Man star Josh O’Connor and chatting with Jacob Elordi. He also caught up with Jennifer Lopez, at the event for her work in Kiss of the Spider Woman, conversing with key players from films like Cannes favorite Sentimental Value.
The event reached a peak when Wagner Moura, inspired by Cruise’s moving montage and words, expressed his newfound motivation:
I really want to go make a movie right now,
—Wagner Moura, Actor. He called Cruise’s tribute “pure fuel,” capturing the creative spark the ceremony ignited.
A Star-Studded Affair Making Navigation a Challenge
Packed with Hollywood legends such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Benicio Del Toro, Jennifer Lopez, Ted Sarandos, Hailee Steinfeld, Rian Johnson, Mark Hamill, and Sydney Sweeney, along with Cruise himself, mingling in the ballroom was akin to an “Olympic sport.” The density of acclaimed figures generated an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie.
Amidst the glamour, Adam Sandler’s reunion with “Uncut Gems” directors Benny and Josh Safdie fueled more energetic exchanges, each twin promoting work on different films, The Smashing Machine and Marty Supreme. Meanwhile, filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller teased their much-anticipated Ryan Gosling sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary, set to debut in March, with Miller sharing,
Ryan is very emotional in it. Surprisingly emotional,
—Christopher Miller, Filmmaker. While rumors suggest the film excels, the project remains under wraps for now.
An Exceptional Culinary Experience for Hollywood’s Finest
The Governors Awards not only dazzled with celebrity appearances and honors but also treated guests to gourmet fare, including smoked salmon Oscar matzahs, steak frites with Café de Paris butter, and desserts of espresso chocolate bonbons and raspberry linzer cookies. The menu was complemented by wine and champagne selections such as La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2021 and Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015, adding luxury to the memorable evening.
Looking Ahead: The Greater Impact of Tom Cruise’s Recognition
Tom Cruise’s Honorary Oscar comes at a pivotal moment, as peers like Paul Newman parlayed such recognition into competitive wins in subsequent years. With acclaimed names such as Alejandro González Iñárritu, Wynn Thomas, and Debbie Allen, the 2024 Governors Awards highlighted a commitment to honoring a broad and diverse spectrum of achievement in film and humanitarian work.
The event left a lasting impression, showing not only the magnitude of talent present but also the spirit of unity and inspiration that defines Hollywood at its best. As the industry responds to the energy generated by the 16th Governors Awards, Tom Cruise’s new status as an Honorary Oscar recipient heralds further achievements and stirring moments for the film community. The story of the Tom Cruise Honorary Oscar will undoubtedly resonate through awards season and beyond.
