The Honorary Oscar, also known as the Academy Honorary Award, is one of the most prestigious recognitions the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences can bestow. Unlike the competitive Oscars that are based on votes for a given year’s films, the Honorary Oscar recognizes lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions, and outstanding service. The award has been around as long as the Oscars have, but since 2009, they have typically been given once a year at the Academy’s Governors' Awards.
In 2025, Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise received the award, marking his first accolade from the Academy. He has received four competitive nominations over his long career but never took home the statuette, until now. He joins a long line of recipients whose contributions to the film industry have been exceptional.
Click through the gallery to see some of the most notable winners of the Honorary Oscar so far.