
It looks like it is getting to be a habit.
Oscar-nominated producer and Academy Producers Branch governor Jennifer Fox will return for the seventh time to produce the Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor announced today.
At the 16th Governors Awards, Honorary Oscars will be presented to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Dolly Parton who, due to previously publicized health issues, will not be able to attend in person. The event will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.”
(L-R) Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas
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“Jennifer’s expertise in producing the Governors Awards is unmatched. We are thrilled to welcome her back to kick off our 98th Oscars events with a celebration of four truly remarkable honorees,” said Howell Taylor.
“It’s always an honor to produce this joyous and esteemed Academy event,” said Fox. “I’m looking forward to helping pay tribute to the incredible achievements of Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton and Wynn Thomas.”
Fox has produced or executive produced a multitude of notable films over the last 20 years, including Tony Gilroy’s directorial debut, Michael Clayton which earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. She began her film industry career in development and production at Universal Pictures, where she worked on several films, including Erin Brockovich. For the next six years, Fox produced films with Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney’s production company, Section Eight, where she worked on such acclaimed titles as Syriana, Good Night And Good Luck, A Scanner Darkly, and The Informant!. Her other film credits include Duplicity, The Bourne Legacy, We Need To Talk About Kevin, Nightcrawler, Roman J. Israel, Esq, Velvet Buzzsaw, The Report, The Last Duel, and Magazine Dreams. She is currently working on her next film, Artificial, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Additionally, Fox has produced the Academy’s last six consecutive Governors Awards.