Oscar Statuettes: 16th Annual Governors Awards Honorees and Event Details

The Academy has selected four individuals to receive Oscar statuettes in recognition of their distinct contributions to the motion picture industry and humanitarian causes.

RMN Stars News Report
New Delhi | October 18, 2025

Executive Summary

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present Oscar statuettes to four distinguished individuals at the 16th annual Governors Awards on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The event, which serves as a kickoff for the 98th Oscars season, will honor Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas with Honorary Awards for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the film industry.

Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her efforts in promoting human welfare. Oscar-nominated producer Jennifer Fox will return to produce the ceremony for the seventh time, praised by Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor for her “unmatched” expertise. The event will take place at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood and is presented in partnership with Rolex.

I. Event Overview

The 16th Governors Awards is a key event hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to present its highest honors outside of the main Oscars ceremony.

• Event Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
• Location: Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood
• Significance: The ceremony formally kicks off the events for the 98th Oscars. It is recognized by the Academy, alongside the Scientific and Technical Awards, as a primary method for celebrating the arts and sciences of moviemaking.

II. 2025 Honorees and Awards

The Academy has selected four individuals to receive Oscar statuettes in recognition of their distinct contributions to the motion picture industry and humanitarian causes.

Honorary Award Recipients

The Honorary Award is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.” The 2025 recipients are:

• Debbie Allen
• Tom Cruise
• Wynn Thomas

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Recipient

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is bestowed upon an individual in the motion picture industry whose efforts have “brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.”

• 2025 Recipient: Dolly Parton

III. Event Production and Leadership

The production of the Governors Awards is managed by a veteran producer with significant experience in both the event itself and acclaimed motion pictures.

Producer

• Jennifer Fox, an Oscar-nominated producer and Academy Producers Branch governor, will produce the event for the seventh time.
• She has produced the Academy’s last six consecutive Governors Awards ceremonies.

Leadership Statements

• Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor commented on the selection of the producer, stating, “Jennifer’s expertise in producing the Governors Awards is unmatched,” and expressed excitement for her return to celebrate the honorees.
• Jennifer Fox expressed her gratitude, noting, “It’s always an honor to produce this joyous and esteemed Academy event,” and stated she looks forward to paying tribute to the achievements of the four recipients.

Producer Credentials

Jennifer Fox’s extensive production credits span over two decades and include a portfolio of iconic and critically acclaimed films, such as:

• Michael Clayton (which received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture)
• Syriana
• Good Night, and Good Luck.
• The Bourne Legacy
• Nightcrawler
• The Last Duel

IV. Sponsorship

The 16th Governors Awards is presented in partnership with a key sponsor of the Academy.

• Official Partner: Rolex serves as the Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is the presenting partner for the event.