Hollywood’s most popular action hero Tom Cruise has finally been awarded his first honorary Oscar in recognition of his long and illustrious career. It is an honor he has been waiting for for almost four and a half decades.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Tom Cruise with the trophy at the annual Governors Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, and the audience gave him a minute’s standing ovation.
The 63-year-old actor has been nominated for best actor four times throughout his career but has never won an Oscar. This time too, he did not receive the award for any film role, but rather was given the honor in recognition of his overall services, influence and extraordinary contribution to cinema.
While receiving the trophy, Tom Cruise smiled and said, “Making films is not just my job, it is my existence.”
He also thanked all the directors, artists and teammates who have been with him during his film journey.
This year’s honorary Oscar recipients included Tom Cruise, along with other names, including renowned choreographer Debbie Allen, visionary production designer Wayne Thomas, and renowned singer Dolly Parton.