Tom Cruise was honored with an Honorary Oscar at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards on Sunday night in Hollywood, where he passionately encouraged moviegoers to return to theaters. The Academy’s recognition came just weeks after box office numbers hit a low not seen in decades, bringing a renewed focus to the importance of the theatrical movie experience. The Tom Cruise Honorary Oscar drew attention not just to his accomplished career, but also to his dedication to keeping cinema alive in physical theaters.
The event took place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, adjacent to the famous Dolby Theatre. As the box office struggles persisted, industry insiders gathered to pay tribute to Cruise’s ongoing support for traditional moviegoing. Cruise, lauded for his loyalty to theaters and for largely steering clear of original streaming projects, was met with enthusiastic ovations from attendees throughout the evening.
Award Recognizes Cruise’s Impact on the Film Industry
Although Cruise has amassed three Oscar nominations during his 44-year acting career, he had not received a nomination since 2000. The Academy’s Board of Governors signaled that this award was about more than acting, formally presenting Cruise the Honorary Oscar, as noted in the event program,
“for his unwavering commitment to our filmmaking community, his vital support of the theatrical experience and his unmatched body of work.”
— Academy’s Board of Governors
This year’s October marked the worst box office month in 27 years, leading many in Hollywood to fear for the future of theaters. The Academy’s decision to honor Cruise was widely seen as recognition of his role in maintaining excitement for theatrical releases, particularly through blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick. Cruise stood out as one of the few major stars to avoid starring in direct-to-streaming films, bolstering the industry’s reliance on physical theaters.
Cruise’s Acceptance Speech Highlights the Power of Theatrical Cinema
Taking the stage for the final presentation of the night, Cruise emphasized his lifelong affection for movies. He reflected on his childhood memories of going to the cinema, sharing,
“as early as I can remember”
— Tom Cruise
He recalled saving money for tickets and, at times, finding creative ways to get into movies when funds were short. Cruise described how the movie theater expanded his imagination:
“Suddenly the world was so much larger than the one that I knew,”
— Tom Cruise.
“It opened my imagination with the possibility that life could expand far beyond the boundaries that I perceived in my own life.”
— Tom Cruise
Cruise described filmmaking as essential to his identity:
“Making films is not what I do. It is who I am.”
— Tom Cruise
He acknowledged the many people he’s learned from, both within movie sets and across the industry, including theater owners and exhibitors:
“I’ve learned from the theater owners, exhibitors, and all of you, everyone here make it possible for audiences to gather the dark and experience something together,”
— Tom Cruise. He concluded by expressing gratitude for audiences:
“And I’ve learned from the audiences themselves, because without you, none of this has meaning.”
— Tom Cruise
A Star-Studded Night Celebrates Industry Achievement
The 16th Governors Awards served as a vibrant gathering point for the film industry, evolving from a casual dinner to a prominent awards-season event. The event was an untelevised, exclusive affair, available only via a private livestream to Academy members. Alongside Tom Cruise, the Academy honored production designer Wynn Thomas and Debbie Allen, the acclaimed director, actor, and choreographer, with Honorary Oscars. Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, with her health preventing her from attending in person but delivering her remarks in a pre-recorded video.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor welcomed guests, and comedian Will Arnett lightened the mood with his observation,
“the Governors Awards has all the pomp and circumstance of the Oscars, with half the publicists!”
— Will Arnett. Presenters included Lily Tomlin, Octavia Spencer, Cynthia Erivo, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the latter introducing Cruise before the extended tribute footage began.
The ballroom was filled with leading names from studios and streaming platforms, all eager to celebrate the top talent of the 2023 awards season. Among the mingling guests were Guillermo del Toro, Scott Cooper, Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Rian Johnson, Jeremy Strong, Chloe Zhao, Elle Fanning, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Jacob Elordi. Volker Bertelmann, a composer for films like A House of Dynamite and The Ballad of a Small Player, joked about his transatlantic trip for the festivities:
“I was in L.A. a couple of weeks ago and then I went home to Germany,”
— Volker Bertelmann.
“When they asked me to come back for this, I said, ‘You want me back already?’ But I love this event.”
— Volker Bertelmann
Memorable Moments and Show of Support for Cinema
Notable highlights from the night included a moving performance by Andra Day, who sang Parton’s “Jolene,” inspiring Hamnet director Chloe Zhao and star Jessie Buckley to dance at their table. Octavia Spencer celebrated Wynn Thomas’s groundbreaking contributions as the first Black production designer recognized by the Art Directors Guild. Cynthia Erivo spoke affectionately of Debbie Allen, revealing their close familial bond before Allen cheered on Cruise with her own lively tribute:
“Honey, we loved you when you slid out in those tighty whities!”
— Debbie Allen
As the night progressed, anticipation built up for Cruise’s segment. His introduction was given by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, director of Cruise’s upcoming film, who joked about keeping his presentation brief, referencing the titular challenge of Cruise’s films. A long, detailed film montage followed, showcasing Cruise’s achievements before his heartfelt speech commending his fellow honorees and humorously hoping he had inspired another young film fan to find their way to the theater.
After the ceremony, attendees continued to celebrate. Leonardo DiCaprio discreetly exited to catch a flight, while Andra Day received multiple congratulations for her performance. Iñárritu explained his own inability to keep his remarks short:
“I told them it was impossible,”
— Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
“What was I supposed to do, devote 10 seconds to each one of his movies?”
— Alejandro G. Iñárritu
The Ongoing Impact of Cruise’s Dedication to Theaters
Tom Cruise’s Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards stood as an acknowledgment not only of his outstanding body of work but also his influential role in defending and revitalizing the theatrical cinema experience. By highlighting his journey from a passionate moviegoer to a leading advocate for the big-screen experience, Cruise’s story resonated in a room of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who understood the stakes for the future of filmgoing.
The event underscored the growing importance of traditional movie theaters in a rapidly evolving industry environment and positioned Cruise as a pivotal supporter at a critical turning point. As audiences and studios navigate challenges facing the movie business, Cruise’s passionate call to keep the magic of cinema alive within theaters left a memorable mark on the industry’s most prominent campaign stop of the season.
