The long-awaited sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, became a must-watch film in 2022. But while the blockbuster garnered five Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Picture, along with Best Adapted Screenplay, sound and film editing, visual effects and Best Original Song, one major player was missing from the festivities tonight: the franchise's star, Tom Cruise.
Despite starring in both the original film, as well as the long-anticipated sequel, Cruise did not make an appearance on the red carpet at the 2023 Oscars tonight. Though the film became an awards show darling, Cruise himself did not receive any Academy Award nominations for his performance. Nonetheless, it was expected by many that the star would turn up for any potential wins for the film.
On Sunday, however, a representative for Cruise told People that Cruise would not be in attendance on the big night due to scheduling obligations for Cruise's currently in the works sequel known as Mission Impossible 8. According to the publication, producer Jerry Bruckheimer is slated to accept the award if Top Gun: Maverick recieves the Best Picture Nomination
Cruise isn't the only big name associated with Top Gun: Maverick to be reported to skip the award ceremony due to filming. Last week, it was revealed that Lady Gaga, whose son "Hold My Hand" is among the film's nominations, would be the only Best Original Song nominee not to perform on the awards night due to the requirements of her shooting schedule for the sequel to 2019's Joker. However, at the last minute, it was revealed that Gaga would indeed perform at the ceremony.
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
