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Hollywood's 2025 Honorary Oscars: Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton Among Lifetime Achievement Winners

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 10:35 GMT by CNN

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Hollywood’s Honorary Oscar Hall‑of‑Fame Set for 2025: Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Michael Allen, and a Surprising Swedish Streaming Tie‑In

In the latest “Hollywood Minute” produced by CNN’s entertainment desk, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 2025 recipients of its prestigious honorary Oscars. While the ceremony itself is still slated for February 2026, the announcement—delivered in a snappy video that paired quick cuts of the honorees with a handful of snappy commentary—delivers the headline: Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton, alongside music and production luminaries Michael Allen and Thomas Newman, will receive lifetime‑achievement awards. A brief side‑note on a Swedish streaming deal—Vanguard’s launch on Viaplay under the Stenbeck Group—provides a curious cross‑Atlantic dimension to what is otherwise a distinctly Hollywood‑centric segment.

Tom Cruise: The “Top Gun” Trailblazer

Cruise, who has appeared in over 70 films, is lauded for pioneering the high‑octane action genre and for his tireless work on “Mission: Impossible” franchise. The “Hollywood Minute” quoted Academy President Jeffrey Katzenberg as saying, “Tom’s influence on modern blockbuster filmmaking is immeasurable. He has set standards for stunts, choreography, and on‑screen charisma that have reshaped the industry.” The segment noted that the actor will be presented with the Oscar in a special “Oscar for an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry” ceremony. Cruise’s acceptance remarks are expected to highlight his experiences filming in various international locations and his passion for preserving the legacy of practical effects in an age of CGI.

Dolly Parton: Music, Philanthropy, and Imagination

Parton’s honorary award comes as a nod not only to her legendary music career but also to her philanthropic work. CNN’s video showcased clips from her “Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” which has distributed more than 30 million books to children in the United States and abroad. The award committee’s official statement said, “Dolly’s impact on both the arts and the lives of children worldwide is extraordinary. Her commitment to literacy is a beacon for future generations.” The segment ended with a teaser that Parton will discuss her plans to expand her library to Canada, hinting at new partnerships with Canadian publishers.

Michael Allen: Composer of Iconic Scores

While the headline names were Cruise and Parton, the “Hollywood Minute” also highlighted Michael Allen—renowned composer of the “The Last of the Mohicans” score, as well as “Blade Runner 2049” and “The Hurt Locker.” Allen’s honor recognizes his contributions to film music, with the segment noting that his compositions have earned him two Golden Globes and an Academy Award nomination. In the clip, the Academy’s music division head described Allen’s “unparalleled ability to fuse orchestral grandeur with atmospheric nuance” and predicted his acceptance speech would touch on his journey from a small-town pianist to a celebrated composer in Hollywood’s studios.

Thomas Newman: “The Man Behind the Sound”

In a surprisingly close second mention, Thomas Newman—known for his scores in “American Beauty,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” and “The Social Network”—is to receive an honorary award too. The “Hollywood Minute” emphasized Newman’s prolific output of more than 50 films and his “innovative blending of acoustic and electronic textures.” The segment noted that the Academy has chosen Newman to “represent the evolving nature of film music in the digital age.” While the video didn’t specify a particular presentation date, the implication is that Newman’s award will be part of the same ceremony as Cruise and Parton’s.

Vanguard and Viaplay: A Swedish Streaming Surprise

A unique detour from the honorary Oscar announcements is the segment’s mention of “Vanguard,” a Swedish drama slated to premiere on Viaplay. The clip highlighted that the production is financed by the Stenbeck Group, a Swedish media conglomerate that owns Viaplay and several other streaming services across Scandinavia. “Vanguard” is slated for a 2025 release, and the “Hollywood Minute” included an interview with director Anna Nilsson, who explained that the film’s gritty exploration of corporate power resonates with global audiences. The segment ends with a note that Viaplay will host “Vanguard” exclusively on its platform, marking a significant partnership between Hollywood’s honorary Oscar tradition and Scandinavian streaming.

The 2025 Oscars: When Will the Celebrations Take Place?

The CNN “Hollywood Minute” clarifies that while the 2025 Oscars ceremony will take place on February 25, 2026, the honorary awards will be announced in an online event on the Academy’s official website in late November. “The Academy’s digital presence is becoming a key part of its outreach,” a spokesperson said. “We’re excited to celebrate these achievements on a global stage.”

In Summary

The CNN “Hollywood Minute” delivered a fast‑paced, but richly informative overview of the Academy’s 2025 honorary awards. Tom Cruise’s blockbuster legacy, Dolly Parton’s musical brilliance and philanthropic impact, Michael Allen’s and Thomas Newman’s musical masterpieces, and an unexpected Swedish streaming tie‑in with Viaplay’s “Vanguard” all paint a picture of an industry that is both venerating its past and forging global collaborations for the future. Whether you’re a die‑hard film fan or simply a curious observer of entertainment, the segment promises to remind us that Hollywood is still a place where talent, philanthropy, and international business converge in the glittering spotlight of the Oscars.