In a star-studded ceremony celebrating his illustrious career, Tom Cruise was awarded an honorary Oscar, recognizing his contributions to cinema spanning over four decades. The 63-year-old actor, a four-time Oscar nominee but never a winner, was honored for his iconic roles in films such as ‘Risky Business,’ the ‘Top Gun’ series, and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. The event, held on Sunday, also saw director Alejandro Inarritu praising Cruise’s precision and dedication, emphasizing that his talent extends far beyond the daring stunts he is renowned for. Cruise, in his acceptance speech, reflected on his lifelong passion for cinema, recounting how childhood experiences in theaters inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking. ‘Making films is not what I do. It’s who I am,’ he declared, vowing to continue supporting the art form and nurturing new voices in the industry. The gala also honored Dolly Parton with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work, including her efforts to provide millions of books to children. Other recipients included Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas, celebrated for their contributions to the arts.