US film superstar Tom Cruise has received his first-ever Oscar statuette, accepting an honorary Oscar (Governors Award) at the annual Governors Awards ceremony in Hollywood on Sunday. The 63-year-old actor, who has been nominated four times throughout his career, was honored alongside singer-philanthropist Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.
A Standing Ovation and Emotional Speech
Upon taking the stage, Cruise received a minutes-long standing ovation and a raucous round of applause from film luminaries in the audience, including Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu, who is directing an upcoming Cruise film, presented the actor with the prestigious Governors Award.
Cruise’s acceptance speech focused on his profound dedication to cinema, emphasizing that his career is defined by passion.
“Making films is not what I do, it is who I am,” the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible actor said.
He paid tribute to filmmakers both in front of and behind the lens, recognizing those he has worked with during his 45-year career, as well as the unifying power of movies.
The Power of Cinema
Cruise reflected on how film has influenced his global perspective and reinforced humanity’s shared values:
“The cinema, it takes me around the world. It helps me to appreciate and respect differences. It shows me also our shared humanity, how alike we are in so, so many ways. And no matter where we come from, in that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, we dream together. And that is the power of this art form.”
The honorary Oscar marks the culmination of a legendary career and confirms Cruise’s status as one of the most dedicated and globally recognized figures in the film industry.
Source: BBC News
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