BFI to honour Tom Cruise with Fellowship award

The BFI said the Fellowship recognises Cruise’s achievements both as an actor and for his contribution to the UK film industry as a producer.

Cruise has shot numerous films, including many Mission: Impossible films on location in London, Birmingham, North Yorkshire, the Lake District and the Peak District, supporting growth in the UK film industry and infrastructure.

He has worked in the UK with filmmakers including Ridley Scott (Legend), Stanley Kubrick (Eyes Wide Shut), Neil Jordan (Interview with the Vampire), Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow) and Christopher McQuarrie (the Mission: Impossible franchise). 

The BFI Fellowship will be presented to Cruise at the BFI Chair’s Dinner in London on Monday 12 May, hosted by BFI Chair Jay Hunt. 

“I am truly honoured by this acknowledgement,” said Cruise.  “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.” 

BFI Chair Jay Hunt said: “Tom has brought so much to the UK as a producer through choosing to make many of his films on our shores, where he is welcomed by our crews who step up to help make his cinematic visions a reality. In doing so, he also supports our studios and puts our locations on a world stage, in the process creating jobs and inspiring the next generation of film talent.” 

Cruise will join the ranks of other BFI Fellows including David Lean, Bette Davis, Akira Kurosawa, Orson Welles, Thelma Schoonmaker, Derek Jarman, Martin Scorsese, Satyajit Ray, Barbara Broccoli, Michael G Wilson, Spike Lee and Christopher Nolan.