Watch red carpet appearances by Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton and more

Action star Tom Cruise and singer-actress Dolly Parton were among the people chosen to receive honorary Oscars this year for lifetime achievement at the Governors Awards on Sunday (November 16).

Actress and choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas were also selected for recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences board of directors.

Rita Wilson, who is a member of the Academy’s board of directors and is best known as the wife of Tom Hanks, told Reuters the criteria one must meet to win an honorary Oscar.

He said, “It’s their body of work, commitment to community, commitment to outreach, philanthropy and the level of excellence they’ve brought to their arts and also to our industry.”

Cruise, who did not appear on the press line before the awards, was singled out for his decades-long work on “Risky Business,” two “Top Gun” films and several other films. He was nominated twice for Best Actor, for “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Jerry Maguire,” as well as Best Supporting Actor for “Magnolia.”

“Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, the theatrical experience and the stunt community has inspired us all,” Academy President Janet Young said in a statement.

Parton, a country singer and star of films including “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts.

Parton’s Imagination Library has given more than 284 million free books to children over the age of 30, according to the organization’s website. He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song, for the films “9 to 5” and “Transamerica.”

The country singer was absent from the awards due to health issues, according to media reports.

Allen, an actor in films such as “Fame” and “Ragtime,” choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and several films.

Production designer Thomas worked on several Spike Lee films, including “She’s Gotta Have It” and “Do the Right Thing,” as well as the Best Picture-winning “A Beautiful Mind.”