Overview
- Alejandro González Iñárritu presented the award to Cruise after months collaborating on a London-shot film slated for 2026.
- In his remarks, Cruise said “Making movies is not what I do, it’s who I am” and vowed to keep supporting theatrical filmmaking.
- The honor is non-competitive, and he remains without a competitive Oscar despite four prior nominations as actor and producer.
- Dolly Parton was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in absentia due to health issues, while Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas received honorary Oscars.
- The non-televised ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom functioned as an early awards-season gathering ahead of the March 15, 2026 Oscars.