Tom Cruise received an honorary Oscar for his lifetime contributions to film, while Dolly Parton was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropy. Production designer Wynn Thomas and multi-hyphenate Debbie Allen also received honorary awards at the annual Governors Awards.
The annual Governors Awards celebrated several luminaries of the film industry with honorary Oscars. Tom Cruise, renowned for his roles in "Top Gun" and "Mission: Impossible," received an honorary Academy Award, acknowledging his profound commitment to filmmaking, the theatrical experience, and the stunts community. Ampas president Janet Yang specifically praised Cruise for helping the industry through the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. Cruise, a three-time acting Oscar nominee, expressed his lifelong passion for cinema, while director Alejandro González Iñárritu lauded his meticulous yet fluid work and intense presence. Dolly Parton was recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive philanthropic work, including the Dollywood Foundation, her international book donation program, disaster relief efforts, and support for Covid vaccine research. Accepting via a prerecorded speech, Parton emphasized the joy and blessings of giving back. Production designer Wynn Thomas, whose credits include "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X," was honored for his trailblazing career. Octavia Spencer highlighted his role as the first Black production designer in the art directors guild and his significant impact on portraying Black life in film and opening doors for Black artists. Thomas shared a personal story of escaping poverty through books. Debbie Allen, a celebrated actor, dancer, choreographer, director, and producer, also received an honorary Oscar for her five-decade career. Cynthia Erivo presented the award, noting Allen's resilience and determination. Allen reflected on her parents' influence and overcoming industry barriers. The Governors Awards, a relaxed, untelevised dinner event, serve as a prelude to the main Oscars ceremony, celebrating individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped the film industry. The evening concluded with Cruise reiterating his deep connection to filmmaking, stating, "making films is not what I do; it is who I am."
