Tom Cruise was finally awarded an Oscar. At the 2025 Governors Awards in Hollywood on Sunday, he was recognized for his decades-long career and his contributions to the film industry. Cruise was recognized along with producer Wynn Thomas, country icon and actress Dolly Parton, and actress, producer, choreographer and Houston native Debbie Allen. During his acceptance speech, Cruise took the opportunity to give the Houston icon her flowers, recognizing her substantial impact on the entertainment industry.

“You are a queen; your impact on this industry and this world is profound,” Cruise said, addressing his fellow honoree personally. “And you are more than a dancer, you are more than an actor, director, choreographer, or producer. You are a once-in-a-lifetime force of kindness and artistic expression.”

Cruise is spot on with his adulation.Allen has been a force in Hollywood for decades, starring in films such as Fame and receiving Tony nominations for her Broadway role in West Side Story. Allen also directed television, most famously directing episodes for the iconic ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air starring Will Smith. The Houston native also produced iconic shows, such as A Different World, and worked on major films alongside directors like Steven Spielberg. Not to mention her famed work as a choreographer and the creation of Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) in Los Angeles, a non-profit that offers arts education

“You opened the door for countless young artists to find their voice, discipline and fulfill their dreams, and have lifted generations through your example, your excellence and your heart,” Cruise continued.

Allen, who is the sister of Houston legend and entertainment icon in her own right, Phylicia Rashad, was born in Houston. Their mother Vivian Ayers Allen was an incredibly lauded poet, playwright and scholar. Cruise already captured Allen’s full attention with his praise, but like a true showman, he saved his best for last, praising her in the words of her own mother.

“You are the very personification of the words your extraordinary mother, Vivian Ayers, wrote ‘To be brave, be beautiful, and be free,'” Cruise said.

Allen has not worked with Cruise in her career, but they have both been collaborators with Steven Spielberg, with the Houston native producing the director’s film Amistad, and Cruise starring in his films Minority Report and War of the Worlds.

Allen was sure to thank Cruise for his glowing tribute to her in her own speech, giving her own lofty praise to the Mission: Impossible star.

“[Cruise’s] inspiration goes beyond explanation. Honey, we loved you when you slid out there with those tightie whities, we said ‘yes, he is one of us!'” Allen said to Cruise, eliciting a big laugh from the crowd and the movie star himself.

“And look at what you have done, oh my God … and so maybe I’m one of them too, maybe?” Allen said, getting emotional at the achievement she received alongside Cruise. The action star then stood up, shaking his head and applauding, affirming that there is no question she is more than deserving.

It was a touching moment in what was a monumental night of recognition for both Cruise and Allen. The after party was, of course, even bigger than the awards celebration, where Cruise and Allen were captured truly cutting a rug to Beyoncé’s cover of the iconic Frankie Beverly and Maze record “Before I Let Go.” And yes, Tom has moves.

More Culture

Merch | H-E-B’s latest t-shirt collab was a disaster
Drama | Houston billboard lawyer ousts partner, adds new one with similar name
Super Bowl | Petition calls for Texas country icon to take halftime show
History | This 1995 flick almost derailed Matthew McConaughey’s career

For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.

This article originally published at Tom Cruise gives Houston icon her flowers in emotional speech.