The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that four industry legends will be honoured at the 2025 Governors Awards with honorary Oscars — meaning they haven’t won a competitive Oscar yet.
- Tom Cruise (actor/producer)
- Dolly Parton (music icon)
- Debbie Allen (choreographer-actress-producer)
- Wynn Thomas (production designer)
Dolly Parton will receive the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts — including her Imagination Library (which has given ~285 million books to children) and her Dollywood Foundation work in Tennessee.
Tom Cruise has received four past Oscar nominations (three for acting, one for producing) but hasn’t won yet; this honorary award gives him his first Oscar statuette.
The honorary awards are given for “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences… or outstanding service to the Academy.”
The ceremony will be held Sunday, November 16, 2025 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.
The AMPAS President, Janet Yang, is quoted saying:
“This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers … continue to leave a lasting impact.”
Why It Matters
It marks first time these major stars will be receiving an Oscar statuette (even if honorary) — a significant lifetime accomplishment.
It recognises a mix of disciplines: acting/producing (Cruise), music & philanthropy (Parton), choreography/acting/producing (Allen), and production design (Thomas) — showing the Academy’s broad scope.
The honour for Dolly Parton emphasises not just artistic achievement but also humanitarian and educational initiatives.
This ceremony precedes the regular competitive Oscars, so it’s a high-profile event that sets the tone for awards season.
