After decades of iconic roles and four Oscar nominations, Tom Cruise will finally take home an Academy Award — though not for a specific performance. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Cruise, along with Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton, will be honored at this year’s Governors Awards, set to take place on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.

Cruise, 62, will receive an Honorary Oscar in recognition of his decades-long contributions to the film industry. While he’s famous for high-octane roles and groundbreaking stunt work, the Academy emphasized his broader impact, particularly his commitment to preserving theatrical moviegoing and championing large-scale filmmaking during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise’s past Oscar nominations include best actor nods for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, a best supporting actor nomination for Magnolia, and a best picture nomination for Top Gun: Maverick as producer.

“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.

Joining Cruise is trailblazing choreographer, producer, and actress Debbie Allen, who has choreographed seven Academy Awards shows — four of which earned Emmy nominations. Though never nominated for an Oscar herself, Allen’s work behind the scenes has helped shape the tone and energy of the Oscars telecast for years.

Production designer Wynn Thomas will also receive an honorary Oscar. Known for his long-standing collaboration with Spike Lee, Thomas has been behind the look of films such as Malcolm X, She’s Gotta Have It, and Da 5 Bloods. His contributions extend to critically acclaimed works like A Beautiful Mind, which won best picture in 2002.

Legendary singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton will be awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, a distinct honor recognizing her outstanding charitable efforts. Though Parton has earned two Oscar nominations for original songs — “9 to 5” and “Travelin’ Thru” — this award highlights her dedication to education and literacy through initiatives like the Dollywood Foundation and her global book donation program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Yang praised her as someone who “exemplifies the spirit” of the humanitarian award.

The Governors Awards, an annual ceremony that honors lifetime achievement and outstanding contributions to the film industry, are not televised. Past recipients include cultural icons like Quincy Jones and celebrated industry figures such as Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, and Juliet Taylor.

This year’s honorees reflect a broad spectrum of influence — from on-screen performance and behind-the-scenes artistry to humanitarian outreach — cementing their legacy in the cinematic world.