Overview
- Alejandro G. Iñárritu presented the statuette, underscoring their collaboration on an untitled feature planned for release in October 2026.
- In his acceptance, Cruise said “making films is not what I do, it is who I am,” and thanked “the thousands of people” who work behind the scenes.
- Choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also honored with Academy Honorary Awards at the Los Angeles ceremony.
- Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and accepted via a prerecorded message from Nashville due to a medical procedure.
- The untelevised gala drew a robust awards‑season turnout, with Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney, Dwayne Johnson and Emma Stone among attendees.