Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy’s highest civilian honour, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for his contributions to the military through his screen roles. The 62-year-old actor received the award during a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.
Cruise’s iconic role as Maverick in Top Gun (1986) catapulted him into fame and inspired many young people to join the military. The film’s success even led the Navy to set up recruitment tables in theatres. His sequel, Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reinvigorated interest in the military among younger audiences.
Cruise was praised by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro for his nearly four decades of support for the navy and marine corps. The actor’s films, including Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series, have contributed to increased public awareness and appreciation for military personnel.
The award is the latest in a long list of recognitions for Cruise, who has been nominated for an Oscar. He currently works on his next film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, set for release in May 2025.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj90ww3ld3ro