Here's understanding the legacy and significance behind Hollywood's most prestigious honorary prize, the Honorary Oscars. Honorary Oscars recognise extraordinary lifetime achievement or special contributions to film. They're awarded by the Academy's Board of Governors. The recipients are not chosen via regular Oscar voting. The Honorary Oscars were first given as a Special Award at the inaugural Oscars in 1929. They were renamed Honorary Award in 1950. Interestingly, the winners are chosen by the Academy's Board of Governors in a spring meeting. Also, only up to four honorary Oscars may be given each year. Legendary stars including Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney and Angela Bassett have received the Honorary Oscars previously. In 2025, Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas received Honorary Oscars. Dolly Parton was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar. While receiving his award, Cruise said, "Making films is not what I do, it is who I am." He also opened up on cinema's power to unite people. He also spoke highly of the shared humanity amongst cinegoers.