Tom Cruise might not win an Oscar but he made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony with dramatic stunts and memorable moments.
Venturing from cult classic dramas like Eyes Wide Shut to preparing for incredible stunts in Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise has long been a cinematic icon who has notably been evaded by the Academy Awards throughout his illustrious career. However, the Paris 2024 Olympics provided him with a stunning new achievement that few could have anticipated.
At the closing ceremony of the Olympics, Tom Cruise appeared to perform a breathtaking stunt, when he surprisingly descended from the roof of the Olympic Stadium. Not only dazzling audiences but also marking a unique milestone in both Olympic and entertainment history, Cruise coupled his unforgettable performance with his historic touch of the Hollywood sign.
Tom Cruise Made History at the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony
Despite his extensive career and numerous iconic roles, Tom Cruise has notably been the Hollywood star to have never won an Academy Award. Throughout his celebrated career, although Cruise received critical acclaim and several nominations, the Oscar has remained elusive. But in a recent moment of grace, the actor did something phenomenal and achieved an incredible feat that even Oscar winners like Tom Hanks and Will Smith might never achieve.
According to BBC, Tom Cruise, long acclaimed for his daring roles on screen, has recently cemented his place in Olympic and entertainment history. During the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Cruise captivated audiences worldwide with a high-flying stunt that proved his status as one of Hollywood’s most adventurous stars. In a thrilling finale, Cruise descended from the roof of the Olympic Stadium, clad in a sleek leather jacket and gloves to carry the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles.
Following his dramatic entrance, Tom Cruise was greeted by an electric performance from the multi-talented musician H.E.R., creating a memorable backdrop for the stunt. The spectacle marked a dramatic and unforgettable end to the Paris Olympics, which also marked the handover segment of the next Olympics to Los Angeles, hosting the tournament in 2028. Further, in addition to his daring stunt, Cruise was featured in a pre-recorded segment that showed him traveling through Paris before arriving at the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.
Tom Cruise’s Historic Moment of Touching the Hollywood Sign Stuns Fans
Seemingly, Tom Cruise’s pre-recorded bit was the best part of the whole segment. His fans not only got to see him handover the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics, but also got to witness Cruise being legally permitted to touch the famed Hollywood sign. Therein, the actor unfurled the Olympic colors, symbolizing the transition of the Olympic torch to the next host city.
Tom Cruise’s extraordinary involvement in the Paris Olympics not only highlighted his enduring appeal but also made his fans lose their minds over how the actor got to touch the famed Hollywood sign, a symbol of cinematic grandeur. Therefore, as the news hit social media, netizens took to X to express their excitement and appreciation for Cruise’s achievement.
Tom Cruise is the first actor to have been legally allowed to touch the Hollywood sign.
(Source: https://t.co/fYr1B738wo) pic.twitter.com/hQbdwK6gcV
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 14, 2024
Around 20.8M viewers across the live and primetime showings witnessed Tom Cruise driving the flag on a conveniently parked motorcycle past the Eiffel Tower, then flying to L.A. in a military plane and skydiving to the American Golden Plains, to the Hollywood sign to complete the handover ceremony. Therefore, celebrating Cruise’s extraordinary feat on social media, fans appreciated the actor’s dedication, even though the Oscars have often overlooked his commitment.