LOS ANGELES, CA — June 17, 2025 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the recipients of its 2025 Governors Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to film and humanitarian efforts. Legendary entertainer Debbie Allen, global film star Tom Cruise, and visionary production designer Wynn Thomas will receive Honorary Oscars, while music and philanthropy icon Dolly Parton will be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
The awards will be presented at the 16th annual Governors Awards ceremony, set for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
Academy President Janet Yang praised the honorees as “brilliant artists” whose work has left an enduring mark on the film industry and beyond. “This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” Yang said.
Debbie Allen, a trailblazer in dance, film, and television, is being recognized for nearly five decades of influence as a choreographer, actor, and producer. Her work has graced both the Academy Awards stage and major productions like Fame, A Jazzman’s Blues, and Amistad.
Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, is being honored for his unwavering dedication to the theatrical experience and his role in revitalizing cinema during the COVID-19 pandemic. His career spans decades of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films including Top Gun: Maverick, Jerry Maguire, and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, recognizing her lifetime of philanthropic achievements alongside her iconic music and film career. Through initiatives like the Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library, Parton has empowered millions of children with access to books and educational resources.
Wynn Thomas, a groundbreaking production designer, will be honored for his visionary work on films such as Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, A Beautiful Mind, and Hidden Figures. He is celebrated for his artistic contributions to some of the most important and influential films of the past four decades.
The Honorary Award celebrates exceptional lifetime achievement and contributions to cinema, while the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award honors individuals in the film industry whose humanitarian efforts bring credit to the art form.
The 2025 Governors Awards are presented in partnership with Rolex, the Academy’s Exclusive Watch Partner.