Tom Cruise Humbly Accepts Honor on Day Three of Cinemacon 2018

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CinemaCon/Alberto E. Rodriguez. All Rights Reserved.

The Will Rodgers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation awards its annual Pioneer of the Year award at a dinner on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.  This year's recipient was Megastar Tom Cruise, The first actor in the foundation's 70-plus-year history to receive this honor.  The evening also raised a record-breaking $1.6 million dollars for the foundation.

After the Sponsors' presentations and a terrific meal, the Master of ceremonies, late-night talk show host, Jame Cordon kicked off the tribute with a hilarious monologue.  Next up Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. serenaded the audience with a short set of songs, mostly from Hamilton.  Then a star-studded video presentation played as friends and colleagues offered Cruise congratulations.

Finally, Director Chris McQuarrie, who has directed Cruise in at least 9 films, introduced the man of the hour who graciously and genuinely thanked everyone for the award and honor.

For the third day of Cinemacon 2018, exciting presentations, numerous surprises, and a well-deserved honor made for a wonderful and fulfilling day.

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