LOS ANGELES: Action movie icon Tom Cruise and legendary singer-actor Dolly Parton were among the distinguished stars honored with lifetime achievement Oscars at the Governors Awards on Sunday (November 16).
Actor-choreographer Debbie Allen and acclaimed production designer Wynn Thomas were also selected for this year’s honorary awards by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
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Rita Wilson, an Academy governor and actor-producer better known as the wife of Tom Hanks, explained the criteria for the honor while speaking to Reuters.
“It’s body of work, commitment to community, commitment to outreach, philanthropy, and their level of excellence… that they’ve brought to their crafts and our industry,” she said.
Cruise did not walk the press line before the ceremony but was celebrated for a four-decade career that includes Risky Business, the Top Gun franchise, and multiple Oscar-nominated roles. He earned best actor nominations for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, and a best supporting actor nod for Magnolia.
“Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all,” Academy President Janet Yang said.
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Parton received the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, presented to individuals whose humanitarian contributions have made a profound impact. Her Imagination Library program has donated over 284 million free books to children worldwide over the past 30 years.
The country music and film star, twice Oscar-nominated for best original song, did not attend the ceremony due to health-related issues, according to reports.
Debbie Allen, celebrated for roles in Fame and Ragtime, has choreographed the Oscars ceremony seven times and worked on several major film productions.
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Wynn Thomas, one of Hollywood’s most respected production designers, was recognized for his work on numerous Spike Lee films—including She’s Gotta Have It and Do the Right Thing—as well as the Academy Award–winning A Beautiful Mind.