Tom Cruise is finally set to receive an honorary Oscar after a string of nominations, leaving fans equally delighted and baffled.
It has been announced that the stunt-loving actor, who stole the show in Top Gun, the Mission: Impossible franchise, Tropic Thunder, the Firm and so many more, is getting a coveted trophy alongside Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas.
The 62-year-old has been nominated for performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Magnolia and Rain Man, but has never taken the statue home.
He will now be honored at the upcoming Governors Awards in November, alongside his fellow honorees – who are getting the Oscars ‘to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy’.
Academy president Janet Yang hailed the stars as ‘legendary individuals’ who have made a ‘lasting impact’ in a statement.
‘The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists,’ it read. ‘Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres.
‘Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.
‘Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts.
‘And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.’
Following the news, movie fans flocked to social media to unpack Tom’s latest achievement, with many wondering how he hadn’t already taken home an Oscar.
Reddit user Jnighy fumed: ‘Born in 4th of July, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut, Jerry Maguire and Colateral. They had so many chances to give him an actual Oscar [sic].’
Dianagorgon insisted: ‘Cruise should have won an Oscar a long time ago.’
‘He should have one already to be fair. But I’m really glad he’s getting it none the less,’ SangiMTL agreed.
‘His absolute love and dedication to the art is second to none and that passion is seen on screen. He absolutely deserves this honor and recognition. Well deserved [sic].’
Krazykarrottop posted: ‘Like him or hate him, he deserves this. His commitment to the art of film is leaps and bounds past any other actor.’
Lolalight16 declared: ‘Of course he should have a bunch of these already but I’m still so happy for him! There’s no one more deserving!’
As StorytellingZ added: ‘I normally don’t say this, but for some reason him getting an Honorary Oscar at this point of his career feels more special than him getting an acting award as of now.
‘Feels like the whole package deal: the actor, the producer, and the stunt man.’
Tom is, without a doubt, one of the biggest actors to grace the big screen, having started his career in the early 80s with stints in Endless Love and the Outsiders, before leaving us all stunned in 1983 projects Risky Business and All the Right Moves.
He led the way in 1986 classic Top Gun, taking on the role of Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell opposite Val Kilmer and Jennifer Connolly – with the trio reprising their roles in 2022 blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
The Hollywood favorite racked up appearances in Cocktail, Rain Man, Interview with a Vampire and A Few Good Men before landing the leading role in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
He starred as Ethan Hunt in eight action-packed flicks including the most recent instalment, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which was released last month.
Aside from his action blockbusters, Tom has also showcased his range in Tropic Thunder, The Mummy, Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky.
Unsurprisingly, he is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down and is set to work with Alejandro González Iñárritu on an untitled comedy slated for release next year.
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