American actor and film producer Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar before the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, organizers have announced.

Cruise has been chosen to receive a statuette for his contribution to cinema alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and producer Win Thomas.

Dolly Parton will also be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her decades of humanitarian work, with the trophies to be presented at the 16th Governors Awards ceremony in November.

The 62-year-old Cruise has four Oscar nominations but has never won the prestigious award, despite achieving worldwide fame with his roles in the action films Mission: Impossible and Top Gun.

“Tom Cruise's incredible dedication and commitment to our film community, to the theatrical experience and to the stunt community has inspired us all,” the Academy said in a statement.

He was described as “one of the most acclaimed and successful actors of all time” and was noted for his desire to perform all his own stunts.

The 75-year-old Allen was recognized for his five-decade career, which includes seven times choreographing the Oscar awards ceremony and work on films including the 1995 romantic comedy “Forget About Paris.”

Meanwhile, Thomas was honored for his producing work on titles such as “Malcolm X” and “Do the Right Thing.” I AFP, BGNES