The Honorary Oscar isn’t about who had the best performance last year. It’s about impact. Legacy.
A body of work that changed the game.
Previous awardees encompassed cinematic icons such as Charlie Chaplin, Cicely Tyson, Spike Lee, Hayao Miyazaki, and Lauren Bacall. Each one indelibly etched their influence in the realm of films.
By the year 2025, two additional individuals, who couldn’t contrast more, are expected to be added to that list: Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton.
Tom Cruise: The Blockbuster King Finally Gets His Golden Moment
Tom Cruise has been a dominant force in Hollywood for more than four decades now. He’s soared through the skies in fighter jets, hung onto planes in mid-flight, and single-handedly sustained several film series. Yet, surprisingly, he hasn’t received an Academy Award – at least not a standard one.
Tom Cruise has been previously nominated three times (for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia), but he never won an award. However, that is about to change. The Academy is now recognizing him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary commitment to cinema. This recognition isn’t just for his acting skills, but also for his work as a producer, risk-taker, and ardent advocate for the power of the silver screen.
In the era dominated by streaming services, Cruise has valiantly worked towards preserving and modernizing the relevance of movie theaters. This recognition acknowledges his courageous spirit, evident not only in his acting roles but also behind the scenes as well.
Dolly Parton: More Than A Music Legend
Dolly Parton is being honored with an unusual Oscar – the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognizes exceptional humanitarian efforts.
And with Dolly, that’s not a side project. It’s a way of life.
Via her “Imagination Library,” she has given more than 200 million books to kids globally. She’s also contributed to vaccine programs, aided in disaster recovery efforts, and advocated for education in underprivileged areas.
She’s been nominated for an Oscar two times in the Best Original Song category, once for “9 to 5” and once for “Travelin’ Thru” (from Transamerica). However, this nomination isn’t related to music. Instead, it’s all about emotion.
Two Paths. One Spotlight.
Tom Cruise embodies the essence of action-packed films, while Dolly Parton personifies the heart and empathy of country tunes. Though their paths may vary greatly, they’ve each dedicated their lives to contributing something significant and valuable to humanity.
On the 16th of November, 2025, the Academy plans to bestow recognition upon them during the Governors Awards held in Los Angeles. That evening, the acclaim will not only be for their celebrity, but also for their influence, their ardor, and for tales that endure.
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2025-06-19 21:09