Cruise has been nominated on four occassions to recive the award. He has been nominated previously for his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, Magnolia and Rain Man, and for producing Top Gun: Maverick. Despite his role as Ethan Hunt in The Mission Impossible franchise, Cruise is yet to win the Oscar. The Academy stated in their annoucement that Cruise played an important role in the industry during the coronavirus pandemic and that he was a "committed advocate of the theatrical experience."
Parton will recieve the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charity work. This award is to recognise how she brought "credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities." Parton launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, which helps support children's education in East Tennessee. Parton has been nominated for an Oscar for best song on two occassions, once for Travellin' Thru from the movie Transamerica and for Nine to five from the comedy 9 to 5. Previous winners of the humanitarian award include Richard Curtis, Michael J Fox, Tyler Perry and Angelina Jolie.
Allen was recognised for her five decade career, which includes her roles in Fame and Grey's Anatomy, and for her directing and producing in Empire and Insecure. Her talents also include choreographing previous Oscar ceremonies. Allen has won five Emmys and has been nominated for two Tony awards, however this is her first time being nominated for an Oscar award.
Thomas has been recognised for his production work on films such as Do the Right Thing, A Beautiful Mind and Malcolm X. The production designer has also never recieved an Oscar despite his well known collaborations with Spike Lee. The Academy applauded Thomas for his "visionary eye and mastery of his craft", in their announcement.
Academy president called the stars "four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our film-making community continue to leave a lasting impact" in a recent statement. The honorary Oscars are given to honour "extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy." The Governors Awards will be presented on the 16th of November at Ovation Hollywood.
