7 Highlights From Oscars’ 2025 Governors Awards, Where Dolly Parton, Tom Cruise & More Were Honored

Dolly Parton didn’t make it to the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles on Sunday (Nov. 16) for this year’s Governors Awards, but that wasn’t a surprise. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, which puts on the awards, had already said that her acceptance would be by video.

The entertainer announced on Sept. 28 that she was postponing an upcoming concert residency in Las Vegas to address health concerns. Her announcement became national news. Ten days later, she released a video attempting to clarify the situation and allay people’s fears.

But even though Parton wasn’t present at the event, her presence was strongly felt. Lily Tomlin, her co-star in the 1980 film Nine to Five, presented the award. Andra Day sang a soulful version of one of Parton’s most prized songs, “Jolene.” Fellow honoree Tom Cruise paid tribute to all of the night’s other honorees. Of Parton, he said: “American original, legendary singer/songwriter, actress, storyteller, humanitarian, your performances, your songs, your work, your soul, you’re part of the very fabric of all of our lives, and you show that compassion and creativity are not separate. They are the same burning light.”

Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, “for her deep commitment to charitable efforts throughout her extraordinary career,” in the words of a keepsake handed out at the event. Other music stars who have received this award include Frank Sinatra (1970), Danny Kaye (1981), Quincy Jones (1994), Harry Belafonte (2014) and Debbie Reynolds (2015).

Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas received honorary Oscar. Cruise’s award was presented “for his unwavering commitment to our filmmaking community, his vital support of the theatrical experience, and his unmatched body of work.” Allen’s was given “for her career as a trailblazing choreographer and actor. Her work across multiple disciplines has captivated and inspired generations.” Thomas’ award was “in recognition of artistic innovation, visionary eye and lasting influence in the field of production design.”

Here are seven highlights from the 2025 Governors Awards.