US actor Tom Cruise has finally received an honorary Oscar, marking a milestone in his illustrious career.
The 63-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in “Mission: Impossible” and “Top Gun,” was honoured at the 16th Governors Awards, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.
In his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed his gratitude and passion for filmmaking, saying, “Making films is not what I do, it is who I am”.
He also praised the big screen as a place that sparks “a hunger for adventure, a hunger for knowledge, a hunger to understand humanity, to create characters, to tell a story, to see the world.”
Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu presented Cruise with the award, praising his dedication to the craft and his impact on the film industry.
“Writing a four-minute speech to celebrate Tom Cruise’s 45-year career is what is known, in this town, as a mission impossible,” Inarritu quipped, before adding, “Tonight, we celebrate. We celebrate not just a filmography, we celebrate a lifetime of work.”
He also joked about working with Cruise, recalling, “This man ate more chilli than any Mexican.”
Other notable honorees at the ceremony included Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Cruise, a four-time Oscar nominee, has never won a competitive Academy Award, despite his remarkable achievements in the industry.
The honorary Oscar recognises his contributions to cinema, including his commitment to performing his own stunts and his advocacy for the theatrical experience.