Tom Cruise's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tom Cruise. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Tom Cruise, an iconic American actor and producer, is one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. His films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors. He has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, alongside four Academy Award nominations. Cruise is consistently among the world's highest-paid actors.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2004: Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor Awarded

In late 2004, David Miscavige created the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor and awarded it to Tom Cruise for his work with Downtown Medical following 9/11.

October 10, 2006: "Tom Cruise Day" Declared in Japan

On October 10, 2006, Japan declared "Tom Cruise Day" to honor "his love for and close association with Japan."

2010: Cruise Inducted into Living Legends of Aviation

In 2010, Tom Cruise, an aerobatic pilot, was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation and received the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award from the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.

May 6, 2011: Cruise Receives Humanitarian Award

On May 6, 2011, Tom Cruise received a humanitarian award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance for his philanthropic work.

December 2011: Release of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

In December 2011, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was released, achieving critical acclaim and box office success, becoming Cruise's biggest commercial success to that date (unadjusted for ticket price inflation).

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December 21, 2012: Release of Jack Reacher

On December 21, 2012, the film Jack Reacher, based on Lee Child's novel One Shot, was released, achieving positive reviews and grossing $217 million worldwide.

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One Shot: A Reacher novel (Jack Reacher Book 9)

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2015: Cruise Returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

In 2015, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, the fifth film in the series, which he also produced and was a commercial success.

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2018: Cruise Reprises Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Fallout

In 2018, Tom Cruise again reprised Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the sixth film in the series, which was positively received and grossed over $791 million.

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May 2021: Cruise Protests HFPA by Returning Golden Globe Awards

In May 2021, Tom Cruise protested against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) by returning all three of his Golden Globe Awards due to controversy surrounding the HFPA's lack of diversity and ethical concerns.

2022: Cruise Stars in Top Gun: Maverick

In 2022, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival where Cruise earned an Honorary Palme d'Or and earning over $1 billion, becoming his highest-grossing film and Cruise earning $100 million.

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