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Getting Tom Cruise on stage with Donald Trump may be one mission he’s not accepting. According to a new report, the Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible star turned down the president’s offer to be among the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients. Citing “scheduling conflicts,” Cruise declined what would have been one of the arts world’s highest-profile accolades — and one that Trump has made very personal.

On Wednesday, Trump revealed the list of honorees for the 48th annual ceremony, which recognizes artists whose work has “shaped our world.” The 2025 class includes glam rockers Kiss, Broadway legend Michael Crawford, country icon George Strait, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and film star Sylvester Stallone — the latter also part of Trump’s newly announced roster of “special ambassadors” to Hollywood alongside Mel Gibson and Jon Voight.

While Cruise won’t be in attendance, he has a major career milestone of his own this year: in November,...

Twenty-four years ago, Stephanie Tavares-Rance and Floyd Rance had an idea to do a film festival focusing on Black stories and creatives in Barbados. They were in the middle of solidifying programming when the September 11th attacks happened, and Barbados backed out as host. But instead of letting the idea die, the Rances decided to shift the festival’s location to their personal happy place, Martha’s Vineyard. From there, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (Mvaaff) was born. Since then, the festival has had countless sponsors, including HBO Max and Netflix, and has championed projects from creatives such as Issa Rae, Barack and Michelle Obama and numerous others.

“It’s been amazing to see the growth of this film festival,” Tavares-Rance tells Variety following the conclusion of the 23rd festival. “Never in a million years did Floyd and I think that we would be here 23 years later.

Trailblazing director, dancer, actor and producer Debbie Allen headed to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time in her life for the 23rd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (Mvaaff), where the “Fame” legend was feted for her visionary work during a special nostalgic tribute to “A Different World.” She also hosted World of Hyatt’s Mindful Movement Luncheon, where she spoke about championing movement, wellbeing and community. She also discussed extending her hand to the next generation while celebrating the stories and culture of artists and creatives.

For Allen, having a partner in Hyatt and Tj Abrams, VP of Global Wellbeing, means greater reach and access. “When you’re trying to get some information across or an idea across, who better to partner with than Hyatt, who has so many different extended brands within their company,” she tells Variety during an interview after the luncheon. “They are...

Good news for fans of Grey’s Anatomy and the 9-1-1 universe as ABC is moving up the season premieres for the three drama series.

The Disney-owned network is moving up the return of Grey’s Anatomy and 9-1-1 as well as the launch of new series 9-1-1: Nashville by a week. The three shows were set to debut on Thursday, October 16, but instead will premiere on Thursday, October 9.

Ryan Murphy’s flagship 9-1-1 will air its ninth season at 8 p.m., new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville airs at 9 p.m. and Grey’s Anatomy, the longest-running medical drama on television, will premiere Season 22 at 10 p.m.

No other changes to its schedule, which also includes breakout drama High Potential returning for its second season, the return of The Golden Bachelor and returning comedies Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary.

9-1-1: Nashville is an action procedural about heroic first responders,...

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will make a special appearance at the 23rd edition of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (Mvaaff) next month.

On Aug. 9 at 4 p.m., Obama will take the stage with her brother and co-host Craig Robinson as they interview multi-hyphenate star Teyana Taylor in a live taping of their hit podcast “Imo With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.”

“We’re beyond honored to welcome back to our stage Michelle Obama and, for the first time, her brother Craig Robinson,” said Mvaaff founders Floyd & Stephanie Rance in a statement. “Their voices have inspired millions, and this intimate conversation will be a moment to remember.”

In 2022, Obama and her husband, former president Barack Obama, made a surprise appearance at the festival to support the Netflix documentary “Descendant,” which was produced by their Higher Ground company and served as that year’s opening night screening. “Imo...

The 23rd edition of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (Mvaaff) will feature special appearances by A-list talent, including Courtney B. Vance, Debbie Allen, Dwyane Wade and Issa Rae, who will travel to the Vineyard with exciting new projects and to engage in captivating culture-focused discussions, dubbed Color of Conversations.

Founded in 2002 by Floyd and Stephanie Rance, the annual Mvaaff supports African American filmmakers by screening, promoting and celebrating feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. The festival runs Aug. 1-9 in Oak Bluffs, Mass., on the campus of the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center (Mvpac) and the Vineyard Lounge.

On Aug. 5, Vance will present the Black Storytellers Panel alongside Keith David and Bassett Vance Productions’ president Lynnette Ramirez. The discussion is designed to give attendees a behind-the-scenes understanding of the content creation process and how to maintain cultural resonance and relatability while building collaborative and profitable businesses.

Taraji P. Henson is stepping onto Broadway for the first time next spring alongside Cedric the Entertainer in a revival of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, a powerful drama by the late August Wilson that will be staged at a Shubert theater in New York.

The Hidden Figures star will portray Bertha Holly, a boarding house matriarch in 1911 Pittsburgh, while Cedric takes on the role of her husband, Seth.

The production, helmed by Debbie Allen and produced by Brian Anthony Moreland, marks Henson’s Broadway debut. Cedric previously appeared on Broadway in 2008’s American Buffalo.

The play, part of Wilson’s ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle, examines the lives of African Americans during the Great Migration. Its themes of displacement, identity and resilience remain timely more than a century after its setting.

Producer Brian Anthony Moreland called the opportunity to revisit Wilson’s work a privilege.

“We are truly honored to...

Taraji P. Henson is already a Tony Award nominee and now she’s finally set to make her Broadway debut as an actress!

The Oscar-nominated star will lead the upcoming Broadway revival of the classic August Wilson play Joe Turner’s Come and Gone alongside Cedric the Entertainer.

Taraji previously produced the play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and she received a Tony nomination as a producer for Best Play. This will mark her first time acting on a Broadway stage.

Cedric returns to Broadway after previously starring in American Buffalo in 2008.

Debbie Allen will direct the new production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, which will open in Spring 2026 at a Shubert Theatre to-be-announced. Taraji and Cedric will portray wife and husband ‘Bertha Holly’ and ‘Seth Holly,’ respectively.

Producer Brian Anthony Moreland said, “We are truly honored to return to August Wilson’s legacy. Joe Turner’s Come...

Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award, Tony Award, SAG Award, and Emmy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson and six-time NAACP Image Award winner Cedric “The Entertainer” will star in a new production of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway. Directed by Golden Globe Award and four-time Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone will open in Spring 2026 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced. Having previously served as a producer on the Tony Award nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, this production marks Ms. Henson’s Broadway debut. Cedric “The Entertainer” returns to the stage after making his debut in 2008 in American Buffalo. They will portray wife and husband ‘Bertha Holly’ and ‘Seth Holly,’ respectively. Mr. Moreland returns to Broadway following his record-setting productions of Mr. Wilson’s The...

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer will star in a revival of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway.

Debbie Allen will direct the revival of the August Wilson play, which is the second in Wilson’s American Century Cycle and follows Black travelers seeking refuge at a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911. The production is set to open in spring 2026 at a Shubert Theater to be announced.

This marks the Broadway debut for Henson, known for her roles in Empire, Hidden Figures and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where she earned an Academy Award nomination. She recently starred in Tyler Perry’s Straw for Netflix.

Known for his comedy career and acting roles on projects including The Steve Harvey Show and The Neighborhood, Cedric The Entertainer made his Broadway debut in the 2008 revival of American Buffalo. He is set to play Seth Holly, who runs the boarding house,...

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” will star in a new production of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway next spring, producer Brian Anthony Moreland announced today.

Directed by Debbie Allen, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone will open at a Shubert theater to-be-announced.

The revival of the Wilson classic will mark Henson’s Broadway debut (she was a producer on Jaja’s African Hair Braiding). Cedric “The Entertainer” returns to the stage after making his debut in 2008 in American Buffalo. They will portray wife and husband ‘Bertha Holly’ and ‘Seth Holly,’ respectively.

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

“We are truly honored to return to August Wilson’s legacy,” Moreland said. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is Wilson’s seminal masterpiece — an unflinching exploration of pain, identity, and hope. With Debbie Allen’s visionary direction and this extraordinary cast,...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named three new governors-at-large to its Board of Governors: Haifaa Al-Mansour (directors branch), Effie T. Brown (producers branch) and Annie Chang. Each will begin a three-year term with the start of the Academy’s 2025–2026 fiscal year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Haifaa, Effie and Annie to the Academy’s Board of Governors,” said Academy President Janet Yang in a statement. “Their wealth of experiences, perspectives and dedication will be vital to our ongoing global and industry outreach efforts.”

Yang also thanked outgoing governors-at-large DeVon Franklin and Rodrigo García for their six years of service.

Governors-at-large, like their branch-elected counterparts, may serve up to two three-year terms — either consecutively or non-consecutively — followed by a two-year hiatus. After the hiatus, they may serve up to two additional terms, with a lifetime cap of 12 years.

The Board of Governors is responsible for setting the Academy’s strategic vision,...

People come and go on "Grey's Anatomy" all the time. The long-running medical drama created by Shonda Rhimes was introduced as a mid-season replacement back in 2005 and has seen a lot of main cast members join and leave the show over the years; even its titular "Grey," Ellen Pompeo's Meredith, "left" the series in November 2022. But what about Meredith's "person" Dr. Cristina Yang, the cardiothoracic superstar played by Sandra Oh for the show's first 10 seasons?

Cristina is one of the show's five original surgical interns — alongside Meredith, Dr. George O'Malley (T.R. Knight), Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), and Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens (Katherine Heigl), all of whom also leave the show and its fictional Seattle-based hospital behind at some point — and pretty early in the series, it's established that she and Meredith are best friends. Despite her relationships with other doctors on "Grey's Anatomy," like cardiothoracic attending Dr.

It finally happened. Tom Cruise is getting an Oscar. No, not for sprinting across rooftops in Mission: Impossible or hanging off planes mid-flight. We’re talking about an Honorary Oscar, the kind the Academy gives when they realize someone’s been carrying Hollywood on their back for four decades and somehow still has perfect hair.

At 62, Cruise is a living action figure who’s not just an actor but a full-blown cinematic force. He’s the guy who revived theaters post-pandemic with Top Gun: Maverick, still does his own death-defying stunts, and treats blockbuster filmmaking like high art. Yet, despite four Oscar nominations, the gold statue kept slipping through his fingers until now.

So what finally pushed the Academy to give Cruise his flowers? Was it the box office domination? The industry loyalty? Or just the fact that no one else jumps off cliffs and sells tickets like he does?...

También serán homenajeados en la misma gala Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas y Dolly Parton. © Getty Images

La Academia de las Artes y las Ciencias Cinematográficas ha anunciado que Tom Cruise será distinguido con un Óscar honorífico (dicho lo cual: ¡ya era hora!). Junto a él, serán homenajeados asimismo la coreógrafa y actriz Debbie Allen (Anatomía de Grey), el diseñador de producción Wynn Thomas (Da 5 Bloods: Hermanos de armas) y la cantante y filántropa Dolly Parton, quien recibirá el Premio Humanitario Jean Hersholt.

Estos galardones se entregarán el próximo 16 de noviembre durante la 16ª edición de los Governors Awards, que se celebrará en el Ray Dolby Ballroom del Ovation Hollywood, en Los Ángeles.

Janet Yang, presidenta de la Academia, ha expresado en el anuncio: «Los Governors Awards de este año celebrarán a cuatro individuos legendarios cuyas extraordinarias carreras y compromiso con nuestra comunidad cinematográfica continúan dejando un impacto duradero. La...

Exclusive: Lena Waithe is changing course for Hillman Grad, the company she founded in 2018 and has been building for the past seven years. The full-service media outfit is scaling back significantly to become a production banner for its Emmy-winning principal, who plans to refocus on purely creative endeavors as a creator, writer-producer and performer.

That is resulting in the departures of most of the staff including Hillman Grad CEO Rishi Rajani, who, working alongside Waithe, has been leading the company’s expansion, and Naomi Funabashi, head of development TV and film. The duo will stay on as producers with Waithe on projects developed during their tenure in addition to pursuing their own venture. Rajani and Funabashi are expected to launch a company together, I hear.

For the past seven years, Hillman Grad’s focus has been on giving opportunities to up-and-coming talent from Bipoc and other marginalized communities, including first-time...

Debbie Allen has yet another reason to celebrate her illustrious career — she will soon add an honorary Oscar to her impressive list of accolades.

The 75-year-old actor, director, choreographer, dancer, singer, and producer (a true multihyphenate talent) has been named as one of the recipients of the 2025 Governors Awards. She will be honored alongside Tom Cruise, production designer Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton, the latter of whom will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The awards ceremony will take place on Nov. 16 in Los Angeles.

Allen began her career in Broadway theater, making her debut in the chorus of Purlie in 1970. She made her television debut in 1976 on the sitcom Good Times and later appeared in Roots: The Next Generations and the TV movie Ragtime. In 1980, she starred in the film Fame and subsequently reprised her role as dance teacher Lydia Grant in the television adaptation in 1982. For six seasons,...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected 2025-2026 Board of Governors, with a mix of returning incumbents, first-timers and familiar names returning after a hiatus.

Among the incumbents reelected to serve another term are Marlee Matlin (Actors Branch), Marlon West (Animation Branch), Richard Hicks (Casting Directors Branch), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers Branch), Jason Reitman (Directors Branch), Chris Hegedus (Documentary Branch), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors Branch), Jason Blum (Producers Branch), Missy Parker (Production Design Branch) and Peter Devlin (Sound Branch).

Newly elected to the board for the first time are Focus Features’ chairman Peter Kujawski (Executives Branch), Gigi Williams (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch), Carter Burwell (Music Branch) and Andrew Roberts (Visual Effects Branch).

Three industry professionals are rejoining the board after a hiatus: Isis Mussenden (Costume Designers Branch), Christina Kounelias (Marketing and Public Relations Branch) and Larry Karaszewski (Writers Branch).

They join a roster of continuing governors,...

Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar, ahead of a 2026 movie for which he already has hopes of another acting nomination. Over his career, Cruise has received four Oscar nominations for his performances in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia,and a Best Picture nod for producing Top Gun: Maverick. However, he has never won one of the industry's most prestigious awards. In recent years, Cruise has become known for performing incredible stunts in Mission: Impossible, though the Oscars won't be adding a stunt category until 2028.

Now, Cruise will be receiving his very first Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Cruise will be the recipient of an honorary Oscar later this year. The award will be presented at the Academy's Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. Academy President Janet Yang shared the following quote...

Tom Cruise, the Hollywood icon and actor known for the action franchises Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, is finally all set to receive his first Oscar. However, it won't be for his performances on-screen but rather off it, as the recognition will be in the form of an honorary Oscar that the Eyes Wide Shut star will receive along with other Hollywood figures like Debbie Allen, Dolly Parton and Wynn Thomas. Cruise will lift the highly-deserved statuette on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood, when the 16th annual Governors Awards take place.

As reported by Deadline, Cruise will be one of the four honored this year at the ceremony that gets a mention every year at the Academy Awards, but sadly isn't televised. These honorary Oscars are handed out by the Academy, and their function is "to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the...

Tom Cruise's next mission, should he choose to accept it, will be to collect an honorary Oscar.

The 62-year-old actor has been announced as one of the recipients of the 2025 Governors Awards alongside choreographer-artist Debbie Allen, production designer Wynn Thomas, and singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, the latter of whom will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The awards will be handed out on Nov. 16 in Los Angeles.

Cruise rose to fame in the 1980s as the star of several teen movies before blowing up in Top Gun (1986) and becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. He followed with a string of popcorn films that included Interview With the Vampire (1994), Minority Report (2002), War of the Worlds (2005), and the Mission: Impossible franchise (eight films between 2000 and 2025). While those types of films rarely result in trophy wins, Cruise still has a storied awards history that goes back decades.

The Oscars

Cruise has been...

He’s scaled the Burj Khalifa, clung to planes mid-takeoff, and jumped motorcycles off cliffs. But this fall, Tom Cruisewill pull off his most unexpected feat yet: receiving an Oscar. Cruise is set to receive an Honorary Academy Award at the 16th annual Governors Awards, held November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. Joining him in receiving the Academy’s highest honorary recognition are Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton, with Parton being honoured with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

“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,” said Academy President Janet Yang in a statement. “Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all.”

This award marks a significant moment in Cruise’s legacy, especially...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that its Board of Governors voted to present Academy Honorary Awards to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Dolly Parton. The four Oscar® statuettes will be presented at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

“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,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor Tom Cruise with an Honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards, set for November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. The 62-year-old actor, known for blockbusters and daring stunts, is being celebrated for his decades-long impact on the film industry.

Cruise has earned four Oscar nominations but has yet to win. The Academy praised his role in keeping theaters alive during the Covid-19 pandemic and his dedication to his craft. “One of the most recognized and highest-grossing actors of all time, Cruise has been a committed advocate of the theatrical experience,” the Academy stated.

Films like Mission: Impossible, Jerry Maguire, and Born on the Fourth of July were highlighted, along with his commitment to performing his own stunts. “Showcasing a deep commitment to his craft,” the Academy noted.

Related: Kathleen Kennedy Pushes for Oscar Glory for Disney Boss Amid...

Tom Cruise is getting a major honor later this year at the 2025 Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Cruise will be given an Honorary Oscar at the special event on November 16, which takes place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.

Cruise, now 62, is one of the most famous and successful actors in movie history. He’s been nominated for an Oscar four times, and while he hasn’t won yet, the Academy says this award is to recognize everything he’s done for movies over the years.

According to the Academy’s statement, “One of the most recognized and highest-grossing actors of all time, Cruise has been a committed advocate of the theatrical experience, and he helped to usher the industry through a challenging time during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Some of his biggest films were mentioned in the announcement, including Risky Business,...

Despite devoting his entire career — his entire life — to the magic of the movies, Tom Cruise has never won an Oscar. That will change in 2025, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Cruise will be the recipient of an honorary Academy Award at AMPAS’ 16th annual Governors Awards, to be held this November.

Also receiving honorary Oscars at the same ceremony are actress/choreographer Debbie Allen, a legend for Fame and beyond, and production designer Wynn Thomas, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator whose credits include Da 5 Bloods and Mars Attacks! Additionally, Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, well-deserved given the icon’s legendary history of philanthropy.

In a statement, outgoing Academy Awards president Janet Yang reflected on all of the announced recipients by saying: “Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom...

Tom Cruise will finally become an Oscar recipient later this year!

The 62-year-old actor has been announced as an Honorary Oscar winner and he’ll receive his award at the Governor Awards ahead of the 2026 Oscars.

Tom has previously been nominated for four Oscars – Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July in 1990, Best Actor for Jerry Maguire in 1997, Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia in 2000, and Best Picture for producing Top Gun: Maverick in 2023.

Three other people have been announced as honorary winners: Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.

Dolly is receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropy work while Tom, Debbie, and Wynn are all getting Honorary Awards.

Keep reading to find out more…

The Jean Hersholt Award is given to “an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.

The 2025 Governors Awards is shaping up to be a party for Dolly Parton. The musician is one of this year’s honorary Oscar recipients, joining Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas.

“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,” Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Janet Yang said in a statement

Parton will also be presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in when the ceremony takes place at the...

Hey, DJ, cut to Lizzo’s “About Damn Time,” and help get the party started because the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is dishing out honorary Oscars at the 2025 Governors Ball! At this year’s celebration, Hollywood icons Tom Cruise and Debbie Allen, plus longtime Spike Lee collaborator and production designer Wynn Thomas, will receive statues of little bald men made of bronze and gold plating. Furthermore, country music goddess and humanitarian Dolly Parton will receive the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The ceremony happens on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood during the 16th annual Governors Awards.

“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,” Academy president Janet Yang said in a release. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists.

Tom Cruise will soon be able to call himself an Oscar winner. The Mission: Impossible actor will be one of three individuals awarded an honorary Oscar at this year's Governors Awards.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted to present Cruise, actor-producer-choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas with Honorary Awards at the 16th Annual Governors Awards, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, in Los Angeles. Additionally, actor-singer-songwriter Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Cruise's Honorary Award comes three years after he received a Best Picture nomination for Top Gun: Maverick, alongside the film's other producers, and more than 25 years after his last acting nomination, which was in the Best Supporting Actor category for Magnolia. He was also nominated for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, both in the Best Actor category.

The Mission: Impossible actor and country singing multi-hyphenate will be honoured alongside actor Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas

Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton will be among this year’s recipients of honorary Oscars.

The pair join choreographer, actor and director Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas, all scheduled to receive special Oscars at this year’s governors awards in November.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen and longtime Spike Lee collaborator and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Oscars at the 2025 Governors Awards. In addition, Dolly Parton will receive the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

The Oscar statuettes will be presented in a ceremony for the 16th annual Governors Awards on November 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

“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,” Academy president Janet Yang said in a release announcing the news. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and...

Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Oscars at this year's Governor Awards. In addition, Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

The quartet will be feted at the 16th Governors Awards event on Sunday, Nov. 16 in Los Angeles.

"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," Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. "The Academy's Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award...

Actor and producer Tom Cruise, choreographer and actor Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive Honorary Awards. Music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton will be recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. All four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the 16th annual Governors Awards, taking place Nov. 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

“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,” said Janet Yang, Academy President. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt...

The board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted to present actor/producer Tom Cruise, actress/producer/choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas with Honorary Awards, and actress/singer-songwriter Dolly Parton with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 16th annual Governors Awards, the organization announced Tuesday.

The honorees — whose selection was the final decision made by the 55 governors who served on the Academy’s board during the 2024-2025 term, including the likes of Pam Abdy, Jason Blum, Ruth E. Carter, Ava DuVernay, Marlee Matlin, Jason Reitman and Eric Roth — will be fêted at a black-tie ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 16.

“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,...

After a week of speculation, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have announced that its voted to present Academy Honorary Awards to actress, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen, actor/producer Tom Cruise, and production designer Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to country superstar Dolly Parton. The quartet of film icons will be presented their Oscar statuettes at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

“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,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “The Academy’s Board of Governors is honored to recognize these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise...

Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas will receive honorary Academy Awards at the 2025 Governors Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

Cruise, Allen and Thomas will be given Academy Honorary Awards, while Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

The awards were voted on by the Academy’s Board of Directors, which chooses up to four Governors Award recipients each year. In a statement announcing this year’s choices, Academy President Janet Yang said, “Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor, whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the...

Mara Brock Akil’s “Forever” is a story both timeless and of the moment. A skillful update of the 1975 Judy Blume novel of the same name chronicling two teens experiencing first love, the series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. as two Black student athletes in 2018 Los Angeles as they romance each other while dealing with the pressures of their very different parents. Swoony and evocative, it’s a rare show that centers the experiences of Black teens — and Akil herself was touched by the response from those who saw themselves in the characters.

“I’ve been floored by the response to ‘Forever,’ the recognition, the notes, the posts, the tears, so many people around the world told me that they have felt seen in ways they have never before, that they didn’t know how hungry they were until they were fed,” Akil said at the 2025 IndieWire Honors...

Polly: The Musical, a new Broadway-bound production based on the Disney television movie, is currently in development, with teleplay by William Blinn and the novel by Eleanor H. Porter. Two-time Tony Award winner Debbie Allen, who helmed the original 1989 film, will return to direct and choreograph, with Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe and Michael Benjamin Washington providing the book, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Siedah Garrett and Joriah Kwamé. Polly sets the classic tale, inspired by the novel by Eleanor Porter, in Alabama in the 1950s. Polly, a plucky orphan with a relentless sense of optimism, is forced to contend with negativity and conflict in a small town under segregation. The 1989 film featured...

If you don't own a Hulu subscription and were just waiting for the moment when Grey's Anatomy would finally become available on Netflix, you will be glad to know that the wait is almost over. This past week, the streamer announced through social media that the newest season of the long-running medical series is coming to the catalog less than a month after the season finale aired on ABC. You will be able to stream the entire season starting on June 14.

Season 21 of Grey's Anatomy was a season of change. Doctors we came to know and love said goodbye early in the season, and others stopped by for a visit. The most surprising return, however, was Kali Rocha (Man With a Plan). The actor reprised her role as Dr. Sydney Heron, seventeen years after she guest-starred in the series for the last time. Other familiar faces included Jesse Williams (Only Murders in the Building...

After the news that Netflix has ordered a pilot for the upcoming spin-off to the 1987 seriesA Different World, six series regulars have been added to the cast, including someone to play Dwayne and Whitley's daughter, according to Deadline. Chibuikem Uche, Maleah Joi Moon, Cornell Young, Jordan Aaron Hall, Alijah Kai Higgins, and Kennedi McClure are all now a part of the call sheet. According to Deadline, the series will follow Whitley Gilbert-Wayne's (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne's (Kadeem Hardison) youngest daughter, Deborah, during her time at an Hbcu. It's not been confirmed if the series will be returning to the fictional Hillman College (though with Whitley's penchant for legacy it wouldn't be surprising for the show to go in that direction). Moon has been cast as Deborah, giving fans their first look at Dwayne and Whitley's children. According to Deadline, Netflix has declined to comment on the casting.

The...

Netflix’s followup to “A Different World” has added six cast members to the pilot, Variety has learned from sources.

Chibuikem Uche has been cast as Kojo along with Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah, Cornell Young as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Alijah Kai Haggins as Rashida, and Kennedi McClure as Hazel.

Netflix declined to comment.

The followup to “A Different World” was first reported to be in development in August 2024, with the pilot being announced in March. As reported at that time, the new series would return to Hillman College, a fictional historically Black university, and follow the daughter of original series characters Whitley and Dwayne.

Felicia Pride serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the project. Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Bythewood also serve as executive producers. Werner produced the original show via The Carsey-Werner Company, while Allen also produced and...

Exclusive: Netflix’s A Different World spinoff pilot has cast 8 in leading roles. They are Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah, Cornell Young as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Alijah Kai Higgins as Haggins, and Kennedi McClure as Hazel, Deadline has learned.

Netflix declined to comment.

As Deadline reported previously, the streamer will shoot a pilot for A Different World, a sequel to the 1987 sitcom, which will chronicle Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter’s time at an Hbcu. The project had been in development at the streamer since last year, and the commissioning of the pilot is part of that process.

The pilot is a one-off and not part of a strategy shift, sources said. The pilot model in general is more often employed in comedy as a proof of concept for tone, chemistry among the ensemble cast, comedic timing and other key ingredients of a successful series.

The red carpet has begun at the 2025 Met Gala and we’ll be updating this post all night long to show you Every celeb who is attending the event.

For those who aren’t ware, the Met Ball is the biggest night in fashion every year and hundreds of stars are expected to walk the red carpet.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has invited many celebs to act as co-chairs for the evening and there’s also a host committee this year that includes 25 more celebs.

The dress code this year is “Tailored for You” to celebrate the new Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibit. It’s the first Met Gala to focus on menswear since 2003 and we already have photos from inside the exhibition.

Head inside to see photos of Every celeb at the Met Gala in 2025…

Keep scrolling for photos of Every celeb on the red carpet at the Met Gala…...

Grey's Anatomy put Ellen Pompeo on the map. Now, the show is well into Season 21, and Pompeo is less of a fixture in the series. Meredith Grey (Pompeo) is still alive, unlike some of her beloved friends and husband, McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey), and she can come back to the show whenever she wants. After Season 19, the show gave Meredith an emotional goodbye, but she's been back in both Season 20 and now Season 21. That isn't enough for some of her co-stars, though, like Debbie Allen.

Allen was speaking at Pompeo's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony when she shared that Grey's Anatomy wants her back. She joked that they allowed Pompeo to go and do Hulu's Good American Family,but wanted her back as Meredith. "We let her out to go do that other show," Allen joked. "Okay, Ms. Thing. Are you okay now? You did that. Now bring your butt back home.

Ellen Pompeo has the support of her family for a monumental career milestone!

The 55-year-old Grey’s Anatomy actress was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday afternoon (April 29) in Hollywood.

Ellen was joined by husband Chris Ivery and two of their three kids – Stella, 15, and Eli, 8. 10-year-old daughter Sienna did not join in for the family photos.

People reports that while snapping photos, Ellen shouted out, “Everybody say Sienna because she’s not here!”

In her speech, Ellen thanked her kids, saying, “This doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen easily. It takes a village. I love you Stella. I love you Eli.”

Also in attendance were Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and co-stars Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., and Scott Speedman, plus Good American Family co-stars Christina Hendricks and Sarayu Blue.

There are some major celebs who shockingly don’t have a...

For more than two decades, Ellen Pompeo has been the Disney princess of her own franchise. As the namesake protagonist of Shonda Rhimes’ venerable ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” Pompeo’s Meredith Grey has transformed from a wide-eyed intern looking to follow in her Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother’s footsteps into a superstar surgeon and clinical researcher — all while enduring enough trauma to last multiple lifetimes in the process.

Pompeo will cement her status as one of the defining TV actors of the 21st century with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29. An outspoken advocate for gender and racial equity, Pompeo says she’s never relished being the center of attention.

“I find it a little bit embarrassing, but at the same time, I know it’s a huge honor, so I’m grateful,” Pompeo tells Variety. As a Hollywood resident herself, she is “anxious” to see...

The 2026 Oscars will be here before you know it, and Gold Derby has you covered on all of the key dates for awards shows and nominations announcements in the lead-up to the big event. ABC's broadcast of the 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, with comedian Conan O'Brien back as host for the second consecutive time.

Important televised precursors to watch out for in the weeks before the Academy Awards are the Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4, Golden Globes on Jan. 11, BAFTAs on Feb. 22, and Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1. These influential events can sometimes tip Oscar races one way or another, particularly if a contender wows the audience with their winning speech.

On April 21, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made several rule changes, including most notably that members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round.

Now that ABC has decided to renew Grey's Anatomyfor another season (the twenty-second) and current showrunner Meg Marinis revealed that Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) will likely be returning for a multi-episode arc, you might wonder if the title character ever really left. During an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Pompeo addressed her lasting stint on the series and revealed whether she plans to completely exit the medical drama at some point.

Pompeo told Jennifer Hudson that she has no memory of filming the pilot episode 20 years ago, and also said that her real-life husband doesn't watch Grey's Anatomy at all because "he's not interested in all that nonsense." When they got to the success of the series, Pompeo admitted that, much like series creator Shonda Rhimes, she didn't expect the show to make it this far. And now it's reached a point where there is no end in sight for it.

More medical drama is on the way for the 2025-26 TV season. Grey's Anatomy has been renewed for a 22nd season on ABC. The 21st season of 18 episodes finishes airing next month.

A medical drama series, the Grey's Anatomy TV show stars Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone, Kim Raver, Chris Carmack, Anthony Hill, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Niko Terho, and Jason George. Recurring cast members include Jake Borelli, Midori Francis, Scott Speedman, Jesse Williams, Debbie Allen, Natalie Morales, and Kali Rocha. The long-running series revolves around the personal and professional lives of the surgical residents, fellows, and attendings in the surgical wing of the fictional Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington. They seek comfort from one another and, at times, more than just friendship. Together,...