Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy`s highest civilian honour, the Distinguished Public Service Award, for `outstanding contributions` to the military with his screen roles, highlighted by his portrayal of a naval aviator in Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

The honour, presented inLondon by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, recognises Cruise`s significant impact on naval recruitment and his support of Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Cruise was also celebrated for his roles in action hits Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men and the Mission:Impossible series. Cruise expressed pride in inspiring sailors and credited the success of the Top Gun films to the teamwork of cast and crew. The prestigious civilian honour was previously awarded to Academy Award winners Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks for their work in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan.