Tom Cruise received an Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards on 16 November, delivering a heartfelt speech that celebrated the magic of cinema and the people behind it.

The award was presented by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is working with Cruise on an upcoming, untitled film set for release in October 2026. In his acceptance, Cruise reflected on the unifying power of film, saying it allows audiences worldwide to "laugh together, feel together, hope together" and emphasised that filmmaking is not just his profession but "who I am."

Cruise also shared memories of his early love for cinema, recalling the first time a beam of light in a darkened theatre "exploded on the screen," sparking his imagination and inspiring a lifelong passion for storytelling and understanding humanity.

The actor has previously received four Oscar nominations: Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia, and Best Picture as a producer on Top Gun: Maverick.

Other honorary awards at the ceremony included Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton, who sent a pre-recorded speech due to health reasons. The red carpet attracted a host of stars, including Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone and Dwayne Johnson, all eyeing awards season glory.