Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton to receive honorary Oscars
Action movie star Tom Cruise and singer and actor Dolly Parton are among the luminaries selected to receive honorary Oscars this year for lifetime achievements, Hollywood's film academy said on Tuesday.
Actor and choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also selected for recognition by the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
The honorees will receive their Oscar statuettes at the annual Governors Awards gala in November.
Cruise, currently starring in "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," was selected for his decades of work in "Risky Business," two "Top Gun" movies and several other films. He was nominated for best actor twice, for "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Jerry Maguire," as well as best supporting actor for "Magnolia." "Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all," Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement.
Parton, a country music singer and star of movies including "Steel Magnolias" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charitable efforts. Parton's Imagination Library has provided more than 284 million free books to children over 30 years, according to the organization's website. She received two Oscar nominations for best song, for the films "9 to 5" and "Transamerica."
Allen, an actor in movies such as "Fame" and "Ragtime," choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and several films.
Production designer Thomas worked on several Spike Lee Films including "She's Gotta Have It" and "Do the Right Thing," as well as best picture winner "A Beautiful Mind." —Reuters
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GMA Network
11 hours ago
- GMA Network
Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton to receive honorary Oscars
Action movie star Tom Cruise and singer and actor Dolly Parton are among the luminaries selected to receive honorary Oscars this year for lifetime achievements, Hollywood's film academy said on Tuesday. Actor and choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also selected for recognition by the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. The honorees will receive their Oscar statuettes at the annual Governors Awards gala in November. Cruise, currently starring in "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," was selected for his decades of work in "Risky Business," two "Top Gun" movies and several other films. He was nominated for best actor twice, for "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Jerry Maguire," as well as best supporting actor for "Magnolia." "Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all," Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. Parton, a country music singer and star of movies including "Steel Magnolias" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her charitable efforts. Parton's Imagination Library has provided more than 284 million free books to children over 30 years, according to the organization's website. She received two Oscar nominations for best song, for the films "9 to 5" and "Transamerica." Allen, an actor in movies such as "Fame" and "Ragtime," choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and several films. Production designer Thomas worked on several Spike Lee Films including "She's Gotta Have It" and "Do the Right Thing," as well as best picture winner "A Beautiful Mind." —Reuters
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Fil-Am Sydney Loyola on his journey and transition in bio doc 'The Road to Sydney'
Sydney Loyola was enjoying her lunch at the Plage des Palmes at the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, France. Her bio documentary film just had an early screening at the Palais D at this year's Marche' du Film at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. And she looked very happy and pleased. Charming, gracious and polite, the well-coiffed and made-up Sydney had a big warm smile on her face. It was her first time in Cannes, and she just couldn't hide her excitement. "This is my first time in Cannes, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said, especially having her bio doc screened at one of the most popular festivals in the world. So, what does she look forward to doing or seeing here in Cannes, we asked. "I was looking forward to meeting Tom Cruise, but I missed him during the opening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," she confessed with a smile. "But the number one thing I want to do here in Cannes is to experience mingling with other folks and just the opportunity to screen the film and somehow give awareness to people as to where we're coming from and to be able to tell our story," she replied. Loyola, a trans woman and acclaimed Philippine dance master and choreographer, shares her deeply personal journey in the documentary film, "The Road to Sydney" which is helmed by writer-director-producer Benito Bautista ("HARANA: The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade") and produced by Emma Francisco of Wanderlustproject Films and Sonia Delen, Wendy Pascual and Conrad (Radi) Calalang of OneUp Film Studios. Contributed photo Born and raised in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Loyola found solace in dance while enduring bullying during her childhood. Her passion led her to perform with the world-renowned Bayanihan Dance Company and later established herself as a premier choreographer of Philippine folk dance in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now facing the challenges of job loss and the threat of eviction following her gender affirmation and transition, Loyola begins a transformative path toward healing. "The Road to Sydney" follows Loyola's journey from Jay to Sydney as she embraces life as a woman, reconnecting with her cultural roots, reclaiming her artistry, and seeking reconciliation with her estranged father. "This film is a tribute to Sydney's resilience and a call for greater empathy toward the transgender community," says director Bautista. "I want this film to highlight the struggles faced by the transgender community and tell a powerful human story that fosters empathy and respect. My hope is that it inspires audiences to become allies and helps reduce the tragic challenges faced by the transgender youth." The film was screened twice at Marche' du Film at the Cannes Film Festival. From a young age, Sydney endured emotional and physical abuse—not just from the local kids and townsfolk, but also from her father. She concealed her deep desire to embrace her true identity. Encouraged by her mother, she discovered dance, which became her refuge from the discrimination and pain she experienced. With dedication, she honed her skills as a choreographer and ultimately moved to America, seeking a more compassionate and accepting society. The film began production in 2017 and was completed in March 2025. It weaves together the stories of Sydney's friends, each grappling with discrimination, labeling, transition, struggle, physical abuse, and eventual triumph. It's a compelling testament to resilience in the face of discrimination, offering a nuanced exploration of dance as a form of self-expression that rises above gender and societal bias. "At OneUp Film Studios, we are committed to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through powerful storytelling. The Road to Sydney shines a light on the lived experience of a trans woman of color, and we're proud to support a film that challenges prejudice, fosters understanding, and celebrates authenticity. Sydney's journey is not just inspiring—it's necessary," reveals Sonia Delen, an executive producer of the film. Contributed photo We were able to interview Loyola in Cannes, and she shared with us the challenges she experienced in her journey and transition from Jay to Sydney. Your story is really moving from your transition from Jay Loyola to Sydney Loyola, and you made us cry, especially your first meeting with your father, Arthur, who is based in Camarines Norte, in Bicol. So, talk about that. When we were planning that we would be meeting my dad, I was ready to be disappointed. I'm always expecting the worst that will happen. But eventually, my dad was very open, and he gave me that huge hug that I was expecting. For me, it's very fulfilling. It's already a fulfillment of all the things I was having doubts about, like all of my frustrations when I was young, when I was growing up. When I met him face to face, I thought I was able to see the person whom I'm looking for, the person who would approve of me as an individual. And I found it. I found it in him when I met him. So, it's the fulfillment of my entire journey. It was like a full circle of that journey since I was able to talk to my dad, look him face to face, and look him straight in his eyes. It was unexpected that he would accept me. I was surprised that he gave me that warm embrace that I had been longing for all my life. Why did you decide that your story should be told? Very good question. Oh my God. That's a very tough question. Number one, I think it will be a good story, a good opportunity for others who are still hiding, for others who don't have courage. Because with film, it can go beyond the theaters and be seen by everyone around the world. Probably there's a young boy who is in the same place as me. And coming from my perspective, it might also serve as an inspiration for them to embrace their own identity. It might be a good platform for them to realize that all they need to do is just continue and be courageous. Just go on and take their own journey, and don't get disappointed or don't get discouraged by the things happening around them. For me, the film will help them focus on what they want to do for the rest of their lives. What was the most difficult thing that you encountered during the transition? What was the most challenging thing for you? I think I'm very critical of myself. The most challenging thing for me is when I am transitioning from Jay to Sydney, the physical change is because I feel that I am rushing, because I want to see Sydney already. But there's a process. The physical transition from Jay to Sydney was very challenging because when I wake up in the morning, I'm already expecting to be Sydney, but still, I am not. So, I still have to go through a lot of physical change, and my inner being is the same. I push myself too much. I am always very critical of myself. Can you talk about how blessed you are? Maybe we can call them your angels - your producers, and your director - and how you found each other? I always believe in destiny. And I think it is really a blessing for me. I think God will put you in a place and in a time and space, and you will be meeting the people whom you are destined to meet. So, I think meeting Wendy, Radi, Sonia, Emma, and Benito is destiny, and it's a blessing. It's something that you wouldn't even imagine is going to happen. So, for me, God will always put you in a place where you will meet the people in your destiny. It's the alignment of the universe. And I'm so blessed, and I am so thankful that I was able to meet them. Because imagine now it's the film, and now the film is no longer about me. It's for those who are still hiding, for those who are still scared of coming out, for those who are still finding the courage to speak out. So now it's my gift to them because I have received the gift from God of being able to tell the story. Now, I think I have to pay it forward. Wendy Pascual, Sonia Delen and Conrad (Radi) Calalang of OneUp Film Studios with Sydney Loyola in Cannes. Contributed photo When we were talking about it, my thinking was my life would be an open book now. No more hiding. And it took me a lot of courage. It's not that I am very courageous, but I think the world just left me with no choice. That I really have to speak up. But the first thing was trusting Benito on how he's going to tell the story on film. I told him that I'm putting my trust in you. This is a story that I really hold close to my heart. And it's up to you how you're going to present it to the world, using your lens as a director, as a storyteller. So, it takes a lot of trust and understanding of each other's craft, because my craft is dancing and his craft is film. So, I think that the fusion of these art forms is important in our collaboration. What do you hope your film can do? I am hoping for more visibility. I think Cannes is a very good platform for the film to have better visibility for other countries to see the film, and for us, a very good exposure. Also, being a Filipino American and being a Filipino, presenting what we have culturally because my transition is just part of the film, but it's also about Philippine culture as a whole. Dance is also involved. What was the reaction of the audience here in Cannes when you showed it to them? They are so curious about the journey and how I decided, and how we were able to get in touch with the director, and for the director to tell the story. So, they were asking how you guys find each other and how it all started? So, I was part of the committee of Kalayaan committee in San Francisco. I worked with Sonia and the rest of the producers. And I don't have any family in San Francisco, so I have like a chosen family. So, when I was transitioning, I thought of sharing this journey with them. So, it all started there. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
Arise Sir David! Football legend Beckham knighted
Britain's King Charles shakes hands with David Beckham next to Penny Lancaster and Meryl Streep, as they attend the King's Foundation Awards ceremony on the 35th anniversary of The King's Foundation, at St James's Palace, in London, Britain, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/Pool/File LONDON - Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was knighted on Friday for his services to sport and charity, with The Who singer Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman also receiving the honor. Beckham, who played 115 times for England as well as for some of the world's most high profile clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now be known as "sir" and his wife Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham. The 50-year-old, who has long been in the running for a knighthood, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2003 – a lesser award in Britain's honors system. Victoria later received the same award for services to the fashion industry. "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honor," Beckham said in a statement issued to the Press Association. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognized for work that gives me so much fulfillment," he added. Daltrey, who co-founded The Who in 1964, will also take the title of sir having been recognized for his services to charity and music in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list. The 81-year-old singer has been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, holding fundraising concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall for more than two decades. Daltrey 'dream' "It's kind of weird, but I am deeply honored to get this, especially for the charity for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and I accept it on their behalf really, because this honor is really for all unsung heroes," the "My Generation" singer told the Press Association. "It's a dream come true for me, but it's especially a dream because the charity means so much," he added. Oldman, who won a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 2017's "Darkest Hour", also received a knighthood for his services to drama. The 67-year-old's films have earned over $11 billion, and his credits include the "Harry Potter" series, The "Dark Knight" Trilogy and "Air Force One", along with cameo appearances in sitcom "Friends" and music videos for David Bowie and Guns N' Roses. Stage star Elaine Page, who played Eva Peron in the first production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita", and novelist Pat Barker have both been made dames. Barker is known for her World War I "Regeneration Trilogy", the first book of which was turned into a Hollywood film starring Jonathan Pryce. Brand Beckham Beckham's knighthood is the culmination of years of tireless efforts to transcend football and turn himself into a global icon at the intersection of sport, fashion and business. The honor, one of the highest bestowed by the UK state, "is a powerful symbolic marker", Marie Agnes Parmentier, professor of marketing at the University of Montreal and author of several papers on "Posh and Becks", explained to AFP. Even at the height of his football career, Beckham was building his global brand with thought to his retirement. His appearance in a sarong, revelations that he used make-up and his eccentric hairstyles were all feverishly gobbled up by the UK's tabloid press. He also had to overcome the tag as England's "most-hated man" after being sent off during the 1998 World Cup in a knockout game against Argentina. Beckham is understood to have been on the verge of receiving a knighthood after helping London win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. But UK authorities placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme, according to previous reports. He was subsequently cleared. —Agence France-Presse
