After reports that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy was trying to get Disney CEO Bob Iger an Honorary Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced this year’s recipients — and Iger is not on the list.
The Academy was reportedly concerned about the optics of presenting an honorary award to Iger because Disney owns ABC, the broadcasting partner for the Oscars, and they are currently in the midst of negotiations to renew their contract.
At the 2025 Governors Awards, Academy Honorary Awards will be presented to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be presented to Dolly Parton. The ceremony will be on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
“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 spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft.”
Iger may not be receiving an Honorary Oscar, but all of this year’s honorees have Disney connections. Tom Cruise starred in Touchstone Pictures’ “The Color of Money” and “Cocktail.”
Debbie Allen appeared in “Blank Check,” “Raven’s Home,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She directed several episodes of “That’s So Raven” and provided the voice of Myrtle in “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” Wynn Thomas was the production designer for Disney’s “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” and the pilot of ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Dolly Parton’s Disney connections include roles in “Straight Talk,” “Frank McKlusky, C.I.”, “Gnomeo & Juliet,” and “Hannah Montana.” Her song “9 to 5” was used in a “Gravity Falls” episode and the TV special “Down and Out with Donald Duck.”
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