Actor and producer Tom Cruise, choreographer and actor Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive Honorary Awards. Music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton will be recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. All four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the 16th annual Governors Awards, taking place Nov. 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
“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 Janet Yang, Academy President. “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. 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.”
The Honorary Award is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy.”
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Cruise, one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history, has long been a vocal supporter of theatrical exhibition. He played a key role in reigniting box office momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic with “Top Gun: Maverick,” which earned him a best picture nomination as producer. Known for performing his own stunts, Cruise’s accolades include three acting Oscar nominations for “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia.” His credits also include “Risky Business,” “A Few Good Men,” “Interview With the Vampire,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Vanilla Sky” and the long-running “Mission: Impossible” franchise.
Gizelle Hernandez for Variety
Allen has left a remarkable imprint on stage and screen for nearly five decades, working as a choreographer, actor, and producer. She choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and contributed to films including “Forget Paris,” “A Jazzman’s Blues” and “The Six Triple Eight.” Her producing credits include “Amistad” and “A Star for Rose,” while her standout acting work includes “Fame,” “Ragtime” and “Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.”
Thomas, a pioneering Black production designer, began his film career with Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” and continued to collaborate with the director on landmark films like “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X” and “Da 5 Bloods.” His other acclaimed work includes Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man,” as well as the Oscar-nominated “Hidden Figures.”
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is awarded 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.”
Parton, a globally revered musician and actor, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her decades of philanthropic work. With over 100 million records sold and 49 studio albums, Parton has also starred in classics such as “Nine to Five” and “Steel Magnolias.” She is a two-time Oscar nominee for best original song — for “Nine to Five” and “Travelin’ Thru” from “Transamerica.” Her Dollywood Foundation, founded in 1988, champions education in her native East Tennessee. Her literacy initiative, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has distributed more than 285 million books globally since 1995.
Each year, many names are put forward to be honored with these prestigious awards. Variety recently spotlighted 25 potential recipients worthy of recognition.
At last year’s Governors Awards ceremony, honors were presented to Quincy Jones (posthumously), the first Black producer to be nominated for best picture; legendary casting director Juliet Taylor; screenwriter and director Richard Curtis; and longtime James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The 16th Governors Awards are presented in partnership with Rolex, the exclusive watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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