Dollywood! Dolly Parton set to receive honorary Oscar
It's Dolly's world and we are all just living in it!
Country superstar Dolly Parton is set to receive one of the most prestigious awards in Hollywood.
The 'Jolene' hitmaker will soon add an Oscar to her mantelpiece.
She is one of four people the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present with honorary Oscars later this year.
“This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” Janet Yang, president of the Academy, said in a statement.
Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
"Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts," the Academy said.
"Parton will be recognised for her decades-long humanitarian efforts. She has founded various charitable and philanthropic organisations, including the Dollywood Foundation, which was created in 1988 to inspire the children of East Tennessee – her home state – to achieve educational success.
"Additionally, her literacy programme, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” launched in 1995 in honour of her father, has provided children with 285 million books. It evolved into an international movement and remains the signature programmee of the Dollywood Foundation."
Parton has been nominated for two Oscars in the past, both in the 'Best Original Song' category. Her 1980 classic, '9 to 5', was nominated for the movie of the same name.
The 79-year-old also played Doralee Rhodes in the film.
Her single, 'Travelin' Thru', also received a nomination. Parton wrote and performed the song for 'Transamerica', a 2005 movie starring Felicity Huffman and Kevin Zegers.
The song was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Grammy.
After over four decades in the film industry, Tom Cruise will also receive an honorary Oscar.
The Academy says the 62-year-old's "incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all".
Cruise made headlines in April after Academy officials announced they will add a 'Best Stunt Design' category to the 100th Academy Awards, which will be held in 2028.
The actor's fans celebrated the announcement, saying the "King of Action" will finally win an Oscar after being snubbed for years.
Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in movies such as 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Top Gun'.
Some fans were worried that 2028 would be a little too late for the actor to get recognised.
"Waiting two years after 'Mission Impossible' ending is sick work… Give Tom Cruise the Oscar IMMEDIATELY," one X user wrote.
Well, he won't have to wait that long for a golden statuette!
"One of the most recognised and highest-grossing actors of all time, Cruise has been a committed advocate of the theatrical experience, and he helped to usher the industry through a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic," the Academy said.
"Showcasing a deep commitment to his craft – including performing all of his own stunts – his expansive body of work includes his Oscar-nominated acting roles in 'Born on the Fourth of July', 'Jerry Maguire' and 'Magnolia', and the Oscar-nominated 'Top Gun: Maverick', for which he earned a Best Picture nomination as producer."
ALSO READ: WATCH: Tom Cruise gets James Cordon to try 'Top Gun' stunts - uh oh!
Actor and choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas will join Cruise and Parton at the Governors Awards.
"Acclaimed production designer Thomas began his career working on Spike Lee’s 'She’s Gotta Have It', which would be the first of several collaborations between the two. Thomas’s film credits include Lee’s 'Do the Right Thing', 'Malcolm X' and 'Da 5 Bloods.'"
Allen will be honoured for her "indelible impact on screen".
"She choreographed the Academy Awards® ceremony seven times, as well as films including 'Forget Paris', 'A Jazzman's Blues' and 'The Six Triple Eight'. Her producing credits include 'Amistad' and 'A Star for Rose'. Allen made her mark as an actress with 'Fame', 'Ragtime' and 'Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling'."
The 16th annual Governors Awards will take place in November.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@dollyparton