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For decades, fans and industry insiders have watched Tom Cruise dominate box offices, perform death-defying stunts, and champion the magic of movie theaters. Now, after more than 40 years in the spotlight, the question surrounding the Oscars 2025 was whether this might finally be the year he received long-overdue recognition. According to Yahoo! Entertainment, that moment arrived when Cruise, at age 63, accepted an honorary award during the Academy’s Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The night carried a sense of history. Cruise, nominated four times but never a winner, appeared deeply moved as he took the stage to receive the lifetime achievement honor. His emotional speech reflected his long-standing commitment to filmmaking. At one point, he shared a quote that resonated across the ballroom: “Making movies is not what I do; it’s who I am.” For fans following the Oscars, the moment marked a turning point for an actor often associated with blockbuster action rather than industry accolades. Tom Cruise’s Moment Arrives at Oscars 2025 Tom Cruise finally receives his first OSCAR: LetsCinema/X The celebration of the Oscars 2025 highlighted Cruise’s extraordinary career. A montage of his most iconic work—from Taps to the newest Mission: Impossible film—captured his evolution as both actor and stunt performer. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who presented the award, noted that although this was Cruise’s first Oscar, he believed it would not be his last. That sentiment echoed throughout the room as Cruise received a two-minute standing ovation. Tom Cruise finally receives his first OSCAR: LetsCinema/X But the evening was not solely about Cruise. The ceremony also recognized production designer Wynn Thomas and legendary choreographer Debbie Allen, whose decades of artistry shaped film and television. Their presence added depth to a night that underscored how broad and varied the impact of cinema remains. Still, Cruise’s honor stood at the heart of the event, reinforcing why his journey has become such a defining storyline in conversations surrounding Oscars 2025. A Night Filled With Hollywood’s Finest Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.comSTAR MAX2017ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDTelephone/Fax: (212) 995-11966/6/17Tom Cruise at "The Mummy" New York Fan Event in New York City / ImageCollect The Governors Awards often serve as a quiet stage-setter for awards season, and this year was no exception. Lily Tomlin praised Dolly Parton, who received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, calling her one of the most authentic people she has ever known. Even without attending, Parton’s decades of charitable work filled the room with admiration. Debbie Allen added humor and warmth, recalling Cruise’s unforgettable “tighty-whiteys” moment from Risky Business, earning laughs from the crowd. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—FALLOUT, Tom Cruise, 2018. © Paramount Courtesy/Everett Collection As potential Oscar contenders mingled—Leonardo DiCaprio, Ariana Grande, Sydney Sweeney—the night made one thing clear: the momentum for Oscars 2025 is officially underway. And with Tom Cruise finally holding an Oscar in his hands, the season’s narrative has already gained a defining chapter.