After four and a half decades in front of the camera, Sunday night at the 16th Annual Governors Awards marked the long-overdue moment for arguably the world’s biggest movie star to receive his Academy Award.
Nominated three times for acting, Tom Cruise finally accepted the Oscar for “his unwavering commitment to our filmmaking community, his vital support of the theatrical experience, and his unmatched body of work,” presented by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who noted it would likely not be Cruise’s last Oscar.
Perhaps Inarritu knows something, as he is currently editing Cruise’s latest, untitled film for a Warner Bros. release next year. In a conversation a few days ago for my upcoming Deadline video series, The Actor’s Side, I asked Jesse Plemons, a co-star in that film, about his experience working with Cruise.
Without hesitation and with great praise, he said, “he’s still got it!” Could Cruise, like Henry Fonda and Paul Newman, win a competitive Best Actor Oscar the year after receiving an Honorary Award? From what I’ve heard, it’s possible.
The extraordinary film reel produced by Jennifer Fox and her team was staggering, showcasing the incredible breadth of Cruise’s talent. Often called the “last movie star,” Cruise may indeed be just that, someone who has largely avoided television, resisted the lure of streaming paychecks, and truly believes in the theatrical experience. The standing ovation in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland was thunderous, and Cruise generously shared credit.
“A single performance is built by communities who pass that knowledge, hand to hand, set to set, generation to generations. Extraordinary directors, extraordinary writers and actors and editors, cinematographers and designers and stunt teams film crews, all with their imagination,” he said.
“Studios, talent agencies, the theater exhibitors, everyone here who make it possible for audiences to gather and experience something together. And the audiences themselves, because without you, none of this has meaning. So this evening, I cannot name all of those who shared and shaped my life, my work with giving me this opportunity to have this amazing adventure.”
Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu at The 16th Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on November 16, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
He also expressed hope that perhaps a young fan might be inspired by him, by the kid he once was who had to find any way to get into a movie theater and see worlds he never imagined.
Sitting nearby was his Minority Report and War Of The Worlds director, Steven Spielberg, who, as I caught up with him after the ballroom event, said he was deeply moved and recalled first meeting Cruise during Risky Business. “Geffen introduced me to him,” Spielberg said, referring to his DreamWorks partner and the film’s producer.
The tribute to Cruise was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, but the evening also honored three other remarkable figures. It began with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award presented to Dolly Parton, who could not attend due to medical reasons but sent a taped acceptance showcasing her new Oscar for her philanthropic work.
9 To 5 co-star Lily Tomlin presided, though she struggled with a teleprompter due to double vision, making for some humorous moments as she attempted to read the words aloud. Andra Day concluded the segment with a soaring rendition of Parton’s Jolene.
Octavia Spencer, wisely avoiding reliance on a teleprompter, presented Wynn Thomas, the first Black production designer to make a significant mark in the field, with an Honorary Oscar “in recognition of artistic innovation, visionary eye, and lasting influence in the field of production design.”
Thomas paid tribute to directors he frequently collaborated with, including Spike Lee and Ron Howard, both of whom appeared on tape praising him. He also honored two pivotal women in his life: his mother and grandmother. “I tell you this because those two women instilled in me a sense of determination and fearlessness that has never left me, that has helped me navigate the barriers and complexities of show business,” Thomas said.
“These two simple, working-class women, my mom, and my grandmother, these two women who never understood this art thing that I was telling them about, these two women who never understood what set design was, these two women who had no idea who Chekhov or Fellini were, but these two women that were willing to let me go so that I could make the journey that would take me around the world and bring it to you.”
Debbie Allen received an Honorary Oscar from Cynthia Erivo for “her career as a trailblazing choreographer and actor. Her work across multiple disciplines has captivated and inspired generations.”
Allen was warmly celebrated for her long career, including a record 17 times choreographing the Oscars and contributions to films like Fame, Jo Jo Dancer, and Amistad. “I want to thank the Academy, the Board Of Governors for this glorious golden moment in the sun with Oscar,” she said, adding humorously at the end, “I just may marry Oscar now.” She also acknowledged her mentors, from Alvin Ailey to Spielberg, who shaped her journey.
Having attended all 16 Governors Awards, I can attest that the event’s mission, spotlighting honorees with proper recognition and inspiring the community—remains unwavering. Fox has produced it seven times, and each year it continues to honor those achieving excellence in their fields and serves as a reminder of why we choose this industry.
Another aspect making this evening unmissable is the current Oscar campaign season. Studios fill tables with contenders in the conversation for awards, marking the start of the season that culminates on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre and Governors Ball.
First-time attendee and Frankenstein co-star Jacob Elordi asked, “then what have I been doing the last three months already?” highlighting that most attendees have been campaigning since the late summer festivals. Colin Farrell described the pre-reception in the courtyard as “atomic,” appreciating that things calmed inside, allowing for real conversations.
I caught directors Jay Kelly (Noah Baumbach) and Richard Linklater (Nouvelle Vague) debating Truffaut versus Godard, with Sentimental Value’s Joaquim Trier and Sony Pictures Classics’ Michael Barker chiming in. Singer Aiyana-Lee, featured in Spike Lee’s Highest To Lowest, had her gown stepped on by Spielberg, which became a humorous icebreaker.
Roadside Attractions’ Howard Cohen joked about three apocalyptic industry articles, while Universal’s Donna Langley praised Wicked For Good as the largest box-office Broadway adaptation.
I also spotted Guillermo del Toro, Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathryn Bigelow, Kate Winslet and her son Joe Anders, among many others, all mingling, sharing updates on projects, and enjoying the evening.
Navigating this room is overwhelming; covering the Oscar trail means meeting countless stars and filmmakers at festivals, Q&As, interviews, and events. This first black-tie gathering of the season was an unforgettable night for those fortunate enough to attend.