For decades, Tom Cruise dominated the box office, delivered blockbuster after blockbuster, and pulled off death-defying stunts. Cruise has sprinted across rooftops, hung from helicopters mid-air and redefined what it means to be a Hollywood star. His lead roles in Top Gun, Jerry Maguire and the Mission Impossible franchise won many hearts. Cruise won many accolades and applause, but one award remained out of reach- an Oscar. 

After years of Oscar snubs and global recognition, Tom Cruise finally gets his golden break.

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced today that Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar this year, along with Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas. They will receive the Oscar statuettes at the annual Governor's Awards. According to the Academy, Cruise will be getting this award for his commitment to the "filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community" that has inspired many.

Despite being nominated four times previously for an Academy Award, Tom Cruise had never taken an Oscar home. This was long overdue, a tribute to his career spanning over decades. This honour recognises Cruise and his dedication to his craft, which has shaped generations. 

Tom Cruise Dating History: From Young Love to A-List Affairs—Know It All

After career-defining performances, Tom Cruise never got recognition from the Academy Awards for any role. Although there were a couple of performances for which Cruise truly deserved the honor. 

Tom Cruise was nominated four times, for Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July in 1990, Jerry Maguire in 1997, and for Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia in 2000. Cruise also received a nomination as a producer on Top Gun: Maverick in 2023. Cruise’s roles received critical acclaim and much appreciation from Hollywood. However, the Academy seemed unimpressed by his work, keeping him from winning an Oscar, like many others, like Bradley Cooper or Jake Gyllenhaal.

The Academy tends to favor transformative, dramatic roles over blockbuster performances, something which was also seen in their snub of Greta Gerwig for Barbie. While Tom Cruise movies have always had a commercial appeal and received recognition worldwide, breaking away from the traditional Oscar bait might explain why he has not received more recognition from the Academy. However, this honorary Oscar finally feels like a nod to this successful career and his vision as an actor, giving him the long overdue validation. 

Stars Without Statues: A List of Famous Actors Still Waiting for Their Oscar Moment

What do you think about Tom Cruise finally getting his due? Let us know in the comments below.