Tom Cruise has been selected to receive the 52nd AFI Life Achievement Award. The American Film Institute will honor him at a gala tribute at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on April 24, 2027.
Considered the highest honor for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award is given to a single honoree each year, recognizing talent that has furthered the cinematic arts, demonstrated longevity and been acknowledged by scholars, critics, peers and audiences.
Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement: “Tom Cruise is a global icon. As an actor and producer, he brings an extraordinary commitment to everything he does. What I especially admire is his deep belief in movies and their ability to bring people together.” Kennedy added, “That passion has made him an extraordinary ambassador for American film around the world. It is AFI’s honor to present him with the 52nd AFI Life Achievement Award.”
Actor, producer and philanthropist Cruise has a career spanning over five decades. The three-time Oscar nominee’s films have earned nearly $13 billion in worldwide box office.
His career spans films including: “Risky Business,” “Top Gun,” “Minority Report,” “Interview With the Vampire,” “A Few Good Men,” “The Firm,” and the “Mission: Impossible” films. Cruise is currently starring in “Digger.” As previously announced, Cruise is set to star alongside Anne Hathaway in the next chapter of “Days of Thunder” which will be released in 2028.
He landed best actor nods for his work on “Born On The Fourth of July” and “Jerry Maguire,” and supporting actor nod for “Magnolia.” Most recently, he earned a nomination as the producer of “Top Gun: Maverick” which was nominated for best picture.
The AFI Life Achievement Award honoree is selected by the AFI Board of Trustees. Last year’s recipient was Eddie Murphy. Previous winners from the past decade include Francis Ford Coppola, Steve Martin, John Williams, Diane Keaton, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Julie Andrews and Nicole Kidman.