Tom Cruise Oscar chances have never looked brighter, as the acclaimed actor now has two potential Academy Award victories in his sights. In November 2025, Cruise was presented with an Honorary Oscar in Los Angeles, just as anticipation builds for his leading role in an ambitious new Alejandro G. Iñárritu film, set for release the following year.
Celebration of Tom Cruise’s Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards
On November 16, 2025, the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles recognized Tom Cruise for his four decades of dedication to cinema, awarding him an Honorary Oscar. Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the celebrated Mexican filmmaker known for Oscar-winning achievements like Birdman and The Revenant, presented Cruise with the honor. This moment acknowledged Cruise’s lifetime achievements, particularly his trailblazing work with movie stunts and his vocal defense of big-screen, theatrical experiences despite the pressures of the streaming era.
The event offered a poignant moment as Iñárritu warmly embraced Cruise on stage, set to the iconic Mission: Impossible music—a fitting nod to Cruise’s career-defining action roles. Their shared respect was evident, marking the culmination of their recent collaboration. The audience, filled with stars, responded with an enthusiastic standing ovation as Cruise praised Iñárritu and his fellow nominees before beginning an emotional speech brimming with gratitude. Over the years, Cruise has faced public scrutiny, notably for his connections to Scientology, but colleagues consistently commend his generosity and professionalism. During his speech, Cruise affirmed his excitement for the project he and Iñárritu had created, fueling speculation that his next Academy Award nomination—and possibly a win—could be imminent.
Decades of Oscar-Quality Performances and Notable Directors
While Tom Cruise is well-known globally for his high-octane stunts and blockbuster films, his career has always featured moments of exceptional acting. Cruise’s reputation as a character actor is strengthened by a long list of collaborations with legendary directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, Oliver Stone, Ron Howard, Rob Reiner, Steven Spielberg, Michael Mann, Neil Jordan, Brian De Palma, Cameron Crowe, Sydney Pollack, Paul Thomas Anderson, Barry Levinson, and Tony Scott.
His first significant breakthrough came under Coppola in The Outsiders. Among his four Oscar nominations, Cruise earned critical acclaim for his transformative performance as Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. A few years later, he delivered a very different but equally powerful role as a romantic sports agent in Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire, resulting in another Oscar nod. For his performance as Frank T.J. Mackey—a sharp-witted, emotionally complex motivational speaker—in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, Cruise secured a Best Supporting Actor nomination. Each of these roles showcased his willingness to tackle diverse characters and work with directors known for their artistic rigor.
In 2023, Cruise was nominated for Best Picture as a producer on Top Gun: Maverick, a movie that not only surpassed the original but helped reignite audiences’ enthusiasm for theaters following the pandemic. Cruise’s production role has extended to ongoing blockbusters such as the Mission: Impossible series, where his commitment to both acting and producing has kept the franchise at the forefront of action filmmaking. Despite controversies and off-screen headlines, Cruise’s contributions to film over the past four decades have cemented his legacy among Hollywood’s elite.
The Path to a Best Actor Win in 2027
Cruise’s journey toward an elusive acting Oscar may find success through his recent partnership with Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Their unreleased film, slated for a Warner Bros. release on October 2, 2026—a date often reserved for prime awards contenders—could pave the way for Cruise to claim a Best Actor statuette at the 99th Academy Awards in spring 2027. This timeline raises the tantalizing prospect of Cruise’s first-ever acting Oscar, following his recent Honorary Award.
The premise of the film, described as a dark comedy, centers on Cruise’s portrayal of
“the most powerful man in the world,”
—Attribution: No attribution available—who confronts the aftermath of a world-shaking catastrophe and seeks redemption as humanity’s potential savior. Crafted by Iñárritu alongside writers Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Nicolas Giacobone, the project’s scale and narrative ambition add to the anticipation. The ensemble cast features acclaimed talents such as John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Huller, Sophie Wilde, Michael Stuhlbarg, Emma D’Arcy, Burn Gorman, and Robert John Burke. Behind the camera, Academy Award-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and celebrated costume designer Jacqueline West, both veterans from The Revenant, elevate the film’s creative pedigree.
As both star and producer, Cruise’s commitment to this project appears total, reflecting his determination to create another Oscar contender. Industry observers and audiences alike are watching closely—if Iñárritu brings his signature artistry to this partnership, Tom Cruise Oscar chances will be at their highest yet. After decades of pursuit and countless iconic performances, the coming awards season could see Cruise not only celebrated for his career-long contributions but finally recognized with the Academy’s highest honor for acting. The film’s anticipated release and the excitement surrounding its creative team ensure that Hollywood and moviegoers everywhere will be tuning in closely to see if this legendary star secures the Oscar gold that has often eluded him.
