Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton Win Their First Oscars

On November 16, 2025, Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton won their first Oscars, a lifetime award at the 16th Governors Award for their commitment to the film and music industries. 
by Nathan Granados

Tom Cruise, 63, accepted the Honorary Academy award. In the speech he gave, he honored other nominees and their influence on the filming industry. “Cinema, it takes me around the world, Cruise stated. “It helps me to appreciate and respect differences,” (YouTube). He gave credit to others in the industry who helped him throughout his career. He later said, “Making films is not what I do, it is what I am,” (YouTube) According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he won the Oscar for his, "incredible commitment to our film-making community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community." 

Followed by Cruise, Dolly Parton, 79, accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. In her article she stated that her mom and dad told her “The more you give, the more blessings come your way,” (YouTube). She also spoke with emotion and shared her appreciation, “So from my heart to yours, I truly thank you,” (YouTube). Parton won her Oscar for her charitable work, most notably for owning Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

The next Oscars ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026.