From early screen roles to actor-producerOur World

Tom Cruise

Follow selected films, producing work and institutional honours in Tom Cruise’s public career.

Subject guide · scope, chapters & sources ↗

Eight selected public-career milestones from 1981 to an Honorary Oscar in 2025. Competitive nominations, wins and honorary awards are distinguished; this is not a complete filmography.

1981United States

Endless Love marks a screen debut

Cruise begins his credited film career.

Tom Cruise holding a microphone at a public film panel. — Gage Skidmore; source crop by Krimuk2.0 · CC BY-SA 2.0

1983United States

Risky Business adds an early starring film

Cruise stars in Risky Business.

1986United States

Top Gun adds another starring role

Cruise stars in the original Top Gun.

26 March 1990United States

Born on the Fourth of July earns an Oscar nomination

Cruise is a nominee for Actor in a Leading Role.

1996United States

Mission: Impossible combines acting and producing

Cruise plays Ethan Hunt and shares a producer credit.

1997United States

Jerry Maguire receives distinct awards recognition

A Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination are not the same result.

2022Cannes, France

Cannes presents an honorary Palme d’or

A festival visit accompanies Top Gun: Maverick.

2025United States

The Academy lists an Honorary Oscar

A career honour is separate from competitive acting awards.