• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture
  • Oscars

Dolly Parton, Tom Cruise among stars to receive honorary Oscars

2:02
Dolly Parton, Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas to receive honorary Oscar Awards
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
ByMary Pat Thompson
June 17, 2025, 9:40 PM

Dolly Parton and Tom Cruise can now add honorary Oscars to their long lists of accolades.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday in a press release that the "9 to 5" singer and "Mission Impossible" star will receive honorary Oscars at the 16th annual Governors Awards, which will take place later this year.

Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive Academy Honorary Awards at the ceremony.

Honorary Awards are given "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 the press release.

Related Articles

Tom Cruise says he will make movies 'into my 100s': 'I will never stop'

Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton appear in this split main image.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Parton is set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is given "to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities," according to the academy.

"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," AMPAS President Janet Yang said in a statement Tuesday. "The Academy's Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists."

Editor’s Picks

Oscars red carpet 2025: See what stars wore for Hollywood's biggest night

  • Mar 03, 2025

Oscars 2025: Complete winners list

  • Mar 03, 2025

As for what led to Cruise's recognition, Yang cited his "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community [that] has inspired us all."

Yang said Parton "exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts."

Allen is being recognized for her long career as "a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres," Yang said.

Thomas, she added, "has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft."

Related Articles

Oscars 2025 recap: Biggest moments from the 97th Academy Awards

Cruise has been previously nominated for three acting Oscars and also earned a best picture nod as a producer on 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick."

Allen has choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times, according to Tuesday's press release.

Thomas is known for his work on several acclaimed Spike Lee films, including "Do The Right Thing" and "Malcolm X."

Parton has a long history of humanitarian work. She founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 "to inspire the children in her home county to achieve educational success," according to the organization's website, and launched the book gifting program Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995.

The 16th annual Governors Awards will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

Related Topics

  • Oscars

Editor’s Picks

Oscars red carpet 2025: See what stars wore for Hollywood's biggest night

  • Mar 03, 2025

Oscars 2025: Complete winners list

  • Mar 03, 2025

Up Next in Culture—

Pixar's 'Elio' starring Zoe Saldaña, Yonas Kibreab is an 'adventure': What to know

June 20, 2025

Eric Dane steps out for 1st red carpet since announcing ALS diagnosis

June 19, 2025

Shop the books seen on 'GMA' for your next read

June 19, 2025

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends with Us' legal battle: A timeline

June 19, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News