Tom Cruise Celebrates Honorary Oscar and Announces New Film Digger

Tom Cruise: A Hollywood Icon Honoured

Tom Cruise continues to cement his legacy as one of cinema’s most influential figures. In recent weeks, the veteran actor has made headlines twice: first by receiving an honorary Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 16th Governors Awards, and second by unveiling the title and release date for his highly anticipated new film, “Digger,” described as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions”. These milestones underscore Cruise’s enduring relevance in an industry he has shaped for over four decades.

The Honorary Oscar: Recognition of a Lifetime

The “Mission Impossible” actor received an honorary Oscar on 16 November 2025 at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles, an award given “to honour extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences”. During his emotional acceptance speech, Cruise declared, “Making films is not what I do, it is who I am”, reflecting his deep passion for cinema. Cruise has received four previous Oscar nominations in his career, earning best actor nods for 1990’s “Born on the Fourth of July” and 1997’s “Jerry Maguire”, though this honorary award marks his first Oscar win.

Digger: A Bold New Project

“Digger” will release on 2 October 2026, and represents Cruise’s first film since signing a deal to develop and produce theatrical films with Warner Bros. Discovery in January. The film, which shot in the UK for six months, marks Iñárritu’s first English-language film since “The Revenant”. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, described as “the most powerful man in the world” who “embarks on a frantic mission to prove that he is humanity’s saviour before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything”. The ensemble cast includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, and Emma D’Arcy.

What This Means for Cinema

Tom Cruise’s recent achievements highlight why he remains a cinematic force. His honorary Oscar recognises decades of dedication to theatrical filmmaking and spectacular stunts that have defined modern action cinema. Meanwhile, “Digger” promises to showcase a different side of the star—one that embraces comedy and collaboration with one of cinema’s most respected auteurs. For audiences worldwide, these developments signal that Cruise’s commitment to cinema remains as strong as ever, ensuring that his influence will continue to shape the industry for years to come.