Overview

• Several current and former Kennedy Center employees told The Washington Post on August 13 that Cruise was offered but declined the 2025 Honor due to scheduling conflicts.
• Cruise’s representatives declined to comment when approached about his decision.
• President Trump said he was “about 98 percent” involved in selecting the 2025 honorees, which include Sylvester Stallone, KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford.
• The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on December 7 at the Hall of Nations and will be broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
• Cruise is slated to receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards on November 16, a commitment that reportedly clashed with the Honors ceremony.