Tom Cruise snubs Donald Trump's Kennedy Center Honor citing scheduling conflicts

Tom Cruise has reportedly declined a Kennedy Center Honor, according to multiple anonymous current and former employees speaking to The Washington Post.

The Mission: Impossible star was offered the award, which “recognises and celebrates individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world,” but reportedly turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.

President Donald Trump announced the 2025 honourees on Wednesday from the Kennedy Center’s Hall of Nations.

This year’s recipients are rock band KISS, stage actor Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor, country artist George Strait, and actor Sylvester Stallone.

Trump also admitted he had long wanted the accolade himself and claimed to be “about 98 percent involved” in the selection process, rejecting some candidates he did not personally approve of. 

In a significant change, Trump will host the December 7 ceremony, which will air on CBS and later stream on Paramount+.

Meanwhile, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced in June that Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards on November 16 alongside actress Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas.