Tom Cruise finally receives his own Oscar

In a deeply emotional moment for Hollywood, Tom Cruise finally received his very own Oscar.

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Cruise's speech traced his journey from a young boy in a darkened theater, watching a movie, to his current status as a global movie icon. That moment, he said, 'opened my eyes to the power of cinema'. He thanked his fans, his colleagues, the world, and the world's moviegoers for adventures, for possibilities, for dreams, for a lifetime of wonder.

At the 16th Annual Governors Awards, held Sunday night at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, the 63-year-old movie star was honored with an Academy Honorary Award, a lifetime achievement Oscar recognizing more than four decades of extraordinary work in cinema.

Cruise, known for his breathtaking stunts and indelible performances, stood on the stage holding a golden statuette — his first Academy Award — in front of an intimate gathering of industry peers and fellow artists. Throughout his acceptance, he appeared composed but visibly moved, pausing more than once as he absorbed the weight of the moment.

“Making movies is not what I do, it’s who I am,” he said, pausing for effect, his voice soft yet steady. He reflected on the power of cinema to unite people: “In that theater we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together,” words that drew a sustained standing ovation from the audience.

The award was presented to him by Academy-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, with whom Cruise is currently collaborating on an upcoming film set for release in 2026. Iarritu praised Cruise, noting that while this may be his first Oscar, it likely will not be his last. “From what I have seen and experienced,” he said, “this will not be the last.”