The biggest movie star Tom Cruise, finally got to hold his own Oscar on a Hollywood stage Sunday night.
The 63 year-old star grew emotional as he praised the power of movies, saying, “Making movies is not what I do, it’s who I am.”
Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu presented Cruise the award, hinting this “won’t be the last.” Iñárritu and Cruise have been working together for several months on a film shooting in London U.K., set for release in 2026.
The night also honored Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas and absent Dolly Parton for her humanitarian work. Cruise praised his fellow honorees, offering each a personal tribute from the stage. Allen gave her own tribute to Cruise, recalling the early-career signature moment when he danced and lip-synced in his underwear in “Risky Business.”
“Honey, we loved when you slid out in those tighty-whiteys,” she said.
With Stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney and Michael B. Jordan in the room, the ceremony subtly kicked off Oscar season and finally gave Cruise his long-awaited moment.
The event took place Sunday, Nov. 16, in California, with the red carpet beginning at 3 p.m., a reception at 6 p.m. and the Governors Awards ceremony starting at 7 p.m.
