Advertisement
Tom Cruise is set to receive one of the highest honors in the film industry—the British Film Institute (BFI) Fellowship—joining an exclusive group of cinema legends such as Christopher Nolan, Satyajit Ray, Martin Scorsese, Tilda Swinton, Spike Lee, Akira Kurosawa, and Ridley Scott.
The award will be presented on Monday, May 12, during the BFI Chair’s Dinner in London, where BFI Chair Jay Hunt will officially bestow the honor. Ahead of the ceremony, Cruise will take part in a special In Conversation event at BFI Southbank, where he’ll discuss his remarkable career and contributions to the film industry.
Since its inception in 1933, the BFI Fellowship has been awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to film and television culture. For Cruise, who has spent over four decades making movies in the UK, this recognition holds special meaning.
Expressing his gratitude, Cruise stated, “I am truly honored by this acknowledgment. I’ve been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop.” He also praised the British film industry, calling it home to “incredibly talented professionals—actors, directors, writers, and crews—as well as some of the most stunning locations in the world.”
To celebrate the occasion, the BFI will host a month-long retrospective featuring 27 of Cruise’s most iconic films at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX. BFI Chair Jay Hunt commended Cruise not only for his work as an actor but also as a producer who has consistently championed the UK as a prime filmmaking destination.
Hunt emphasized Cruise’s significant contributions to the UK film industry, highlighting how his projects have boosted local studios, promoted British locations on a global scale, and created job opportunities while inspiring future generations of filmmakers. “He supports our studios and puts our locations on a world stage, in the process creating jobs and inspiring the next generation of film talent,” Hunt stated.
Beyond his industry impact, Hunt praised Cruise’s versatility, calling him “one of the world’s great actors and a true movie star,” known for thrilling audiences as both an action hero and a romantic lead, while also taking on unexpected, bold roles that showcase his depth and talent.
Currently, Cruise is filming an untitled project in the UK, produced by Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, with Alejandro G. Iñárritu directing.