Debbie Allen gave emotional shoutout to Tom Cruise: 'We loved you'

Tom Cruise has finally won a long-overdue honorary Oscar during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 16th Governors Awards in Los Angeles.

While Cruise was himself overwhelmed with his lifetime achievement, the choreographer and actor Debbie Allen, who was also selected to be honoured for her storied career, paid an emotional tribute to the Mission: Impossible star.

During her moving tribute to Cruise, Allen said, “Honey, we loved you when you slid out in those tightie-whities. We said yes!”

“And look at what you have done, oh my god,” Allen said through tears. “So, maybe I am one of them too. Maybe,” the Emmy-winning TV visionary said, weeping.

The Top Gun: Maverick actor immediately got onto his feet to return the recognition to Allen, while the packed crowd applauded along.

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