Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton and other icons to be honoured at 2025 Governors Awards

Hollywood is set to honour some of its most illustrious talents at the 16th Governors Awards taking place in November. 

Iconic actor and producer Tom Cruise, celebrated choreographer and actress Debbie Allen and visionary production designer Wynn Thomas will receive prestigious Honorary Awards.

Music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton will be recognised with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Academy President Janet Yang expressed the significance of this year's selection.

"This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact.”

She added that Allen's contributions as a trailblazing choreographer and actor have captivated generations, while Cruise's commitment to the theatrical experience and the stunts community has inspired many within the industry.

Despite being one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Cruise has been nominated four times for an Oscar, never having taken home the coveted statue.

His nominations include Best Actor recognitions for "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Jerry Maguire", as well as a Best Supporting Actor nod for "Magnolia" and a Best Picture nomination as producer of "Top Gun: Maverick". 

Allen, a force in the entertainment world for nearly five decades, has contributed significantly to both stage and screen, choreographing the Academy Awards ceremony on seven occasions. Her accomplishments span numerous films, including "Forget Paris" and "The Six Triple Eight", alongside her roles as producer and actor in well-regarded productions like "Fame" and "Ragtime".

Thomas has also made a lasting mark in the film industry.

Beginning his career with Spike Lee’s "She’s Gotta Have It", he collaborated on notable works such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X". 

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognises individuals whose humanitarian efforts have enriched the industry, will be awarded to Parton. 

Parton has long been revered not only for her musical prowess, with over 100 million records sold and timeless performances in films such as "Nine to Five" and "Steel Magnolias", but also for her philanthropic initiatives. 

Her Dollywood Foundation and the global literacy programme, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, have positively impacted countless lives, providing over 285 million books since its inception.

The Governors Awards serves as a platform to honour those whose contributions have profoundly shaped the landscape of cinema. Past recipients include Quincy Jones and "James Bond" producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.