Why You Won’t See ‘Top Gun’ Star Tom Cruise at the Oscars 2023

On March 12, the 94th Academy Awards took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, honoring the best films and performances of the year. One notable absence was Tom Cruise, star of the highly anticipated “Top Gun: Maverick”, which was nominated for six honors, including Best Picture. Despite the film’s success, Cruise was not in attendance, and host Jimmy Kimmel couldn’t resist calling him out during his opening monologue.

Kimmel joked about Cruise’s absence, saying, “Tom Cruise with his shirt off in that beach football scene? … Hubba hubba!” He also quipped that Cruise might be in the theater disguised as actor Judd Hirsch in a Mission Impossible mask.

Although Cruise was not in attendance, a spokesperson confirmed that he was unable to attend due to filming commitments for “Mission: Impossible 8” overseas. If “Top Gun” wins Best Picture, producer Jerry Bruckheimer will accept the award on behalf of the team.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is a sequel to the original “Top Gun” released in 1986, and was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Original Song, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound. Despite Cruise’s absence, the film and its team were honored to receive such prestigious nominations.