Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton to Receive Honorary Oscars at 2025 Governors Awards

Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Oscars at this year’s Governors Awards. Additionally, Dolly Parton will be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

The quartet will be celebrated at the 16th Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 16, in Los Angeles.

Academy President Janet Yang stated, “This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to the filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact. 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, the theatrical experience, and the stunts community has inspired us all. 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.”

Honorary Oscars are awarded “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.” Recipients typically have not won competitive Oscars, though some winners also receive honorary statuettes.

Debbie Allen has won four Emmys for choreography (five total), choreographed seven Oscar ceremonies, and worked on films including Forget Paris, A Jazzman’s Blues, and The Six Triple Eight. The Fame and Ragtime star has produced projects like Amistad and A Star for Rose.

Tom Cruise, currently starring in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, has received three acting Oscar nominations for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia. He is recognized as one of the biggest stars without an Oscar win. Cruise was last nominated as producer on Best Picture nominee Top Gun: Maverick. The introduction of a new stunts category at the 100th Oscars in 2028 may bring him a competitive statuette.

Wynn Thomas began his career collaborating with Spike Lee on She’s Gotta Have It, later working on Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Da 5 Bloods. His credits also include Best Picture winner A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, and Hidden Figures.

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose humanitarian efforts bring credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and addressing inequities.

Dolly Parton, a two-time Oscar nominee for songwriting, has founded numerous charitable and philanthropic organizations, including the Dollywood Foundation (established 1988) to inspire educational success in Tennessee children. Her literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (launched 1995), has provided 285 million books to children worldwide, growing into an international movement.

Last year’s Governors Awards honored Quincy Jones, screenwriter and director Richard Curtis, casting director Juliet Taylor, and James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.