Hollywood icon Tom Cruise has finally received an Oscar. At 63, the legendary star was honored with an Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards, marking a historic milestone in his decades-long career. Cruise’s heartfelt speech highlighted his deep, lifelong connection to cinema and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Honorary Oscar presented at the Governors Awards

The Academy Honorary Award was presented to Tom Cruise by acclaimed director Alejandro G Iñárritu, who is also set to direct Cruise’s upcoming film. The award recognizes Cruise’s extraordinary contribution to global cinema and his enduring impact as one of Hollywood’s most influential figures.

Despite being nominated for an Oscar four times throughout his career, this marked the first time Cruise took home an Academy statuette.

“Filmmaking is not what I do — it is who I am”

Speaking to the crowd, Cruise delivered an emotional and deeply personal address, describing cinema as an essential part of his identity rather than just a profession.

He reflected on how filmmaking has taken him “around the world,” allowing him to experience different cultures and discover a shared humanity among people everywhere. Cruise emphasized the unique power of movie theaters, where audiences laugh, feel, and hope together, regardless of their background.

According to the actor, this collective experience is what makes cinema so powerful — and why it continues to matter.

A passion for cinema that began in childhood

The 63-year-old star also revealed that his love for movies began at a very young age. “My love for cinema started as early as I can remember,” Cruise said, explaining that this passion has guided every step of his career.