Tom Cruise is set to receive the British Film Institute’s (BFI) highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, recognized for his extensive contributions to film and the UK film industry. The award will be presented during the BFI Chair’s Dinner in London on May 12, 2025, hosted by BFI Chair Jay Hunt.
On May 11, Cruise will take part in a special onstage event titled “Tom Cruise in Conversation” at BFI Southbank. This event will allow audiences, including aspiring filmmakers, to hear him discuss his remarkable career spanning over 40 years. A month-long festival celebrating his work will feature the screening of 27 films at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX throughout May 2025, culminating in his new film, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, which debuts on May 23.
Cruise, known for action thrillers and dramas, expressed his gratitude in a statement: “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. The UK is home to incredibly talented professionals—actors, directors, writers, and crews, as well as some of the most stunning locations in the world. I’m grateful for all the BFI has done to support UK filmmaking and this incredible art form we share.”
Throughout his career, Cruise has filmed numerous productions in the UK, significantly impacting the local film industry. His Mission: Impossible films have been shot in various locations including London, Birmingham, North Yorkshire, and the Lake District. BFI Chair Jay Hunt noted Cruise’s impressive contribution: “Tom has brought so much to the UK as a producer, choosing to make many of his films on our shores, where he is welcomed by our crews who step up to help realize his cinematic visions. In doing so, he also supports our studios and puts our locations on a world stage, creating jobs and inspiring the next generation of film talent.”
The BFI Fellowship recognized not just Cruise's role as an actor, but also his advocacy for the cinematic experience. Over the decades, his films have brought in hundreds of millions at the box office, showcasing the power of cinema and encouraging audiences to seek films out on the big screen.
His previous works, including classics like Risky Business, Top Gun, and Jerry Maguire, have all contributed to his distinguished career. In recent years, his resurgence with Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible franchise has solidified his status as a box office draw. The BFI Fellowship ceremony will see Cruise join the ranks of notable previous honorees including the likes of Martin Scorsese, Tilda Swinton, and Akira Kurosawa.
As part of the tribute, BFI will host various events leading up to the Fellowship presentation, with Cruise engaging with public audiences and film students. The conversation will delve into his experiences, including his approach to film production and the intricate stunts that have become a hallmark of his brand.
This significant recognition highlights not only Cruise's individual achievements but also the vital relationship he has fostered with the UK's film industry, enhancing local talent and bringing a global spotlight to British filmmaking. Cruise's upcoming celebration marks a unique moment to reflect on his impactful legacy and the future of cinema as he continues to push boundaries in his illustrious career.
