Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton to receive their first Oscars at Academy’s 2025 Governors Awards

Four Hollywood staples will each receive their first Oscars at the Academy’s upcoming 2025 Governors Awards, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

The organization revealed that actor Tom Cruise, music icon Dolly Parton, choreographer-actress-producer Debbie Allen, and Spike Lee’s longtime production designer Wynn Thomas will receive special accolades at the November ceremony.

Parton, who has two prior Oscar nominations, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her career dedication to philanthropic efforts, including the Dollywood Foundation aimed at increasing educational success for Tennessee children, as well as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has gifted approximately 285 million books to children.

Cruise, who’s amassed four past Academy Award nods, Allen, and Thomas will all receive Academy Honorary Awards “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy,” according to a press release.

‘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,” said Academy President Janet Yang in a statement. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.”

The statement continued: “Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”

Parton and Cruise have proven to be formidable commercial stars across their decades-long careers, with Parton’s pair of Oscar nods coming for her work in crafting original songs for Transamerica and 9 to 5, while Cruise’s four nominations are split between three for acting (Magnolia, Jerry Maguire, Born on the Fourth of July) and one for producing the Best Picture-nominated blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick.

Allen’s multi-hyphenate career includes choreographing the Oscars ceremony seven times, as well as acting roles in Fame and Ragtime. Thomas has worked on a wealth of projects over the years, including Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Da 5 Bloods.

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Other recent Oscars developments include a rule change requiring members to see nominated films before final voting, as well as the implementation of two new competitive categories for casting (2026) and stunt work (2028).

The Oscars’ 2025 Governors Awards will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, ahead of the Conan O’Brien-hosted 2026 Oscars ceremony on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.