The 58-year-old actor, known for his temperament, won the best actor award at the annual Golden Globes show for “Jerry Maguire” in 1997 and “Born on the Fourth of July” in 1990. He later nabbed a win in the best supporting actor category for his performance in “Magnolia” in 2000.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has returned his three Golden Globe Awards to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which organizes the annual event, in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the association over to its purported lack of diversity, Deadline reported on Monday.
According to the outlet, Cruise’s decision comes amid criticism against the HFPA for its lack of diversity, with the group coming under fire specifically for its lack of Black members, as well as ethical concerns raised by a February report by the Los Angeles Times that highlighted the financial benefits to some of the association’s 87 members.
Social media users, however, were able to come up with other reasons for Cruise’s sudden decision to return the awards. Some of the explanations offered by netizens seem quite logical.
Breaking: Tom Cruise returns his Golden Globe award. It's taller than him.
— jonathan slater (@jonatha39849257) May 10, 2021
Tom Cruise returning his golden globe awards but still being a Scientologist is like…
Idk. I can’t think of a comparable but I bet there’s one out there.
— Jillian Clare (@jillianclare) May 11, 2021
The Golden Globe's is an AWARD SHOW. Not a child soccer league where everyone gets a trophy. Tom Cruise is desperate for good attention. This is a pathetic attempt for good publicity.
— Isabella (@IgnoredByPlec) May 10, 2021
Earlier on Monday, NBC announced that it would not be airing next year’s award show due to the growing backlash, citing the HFPA’s “lack of racial diversity” among its members.
“We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right,” a spokesperson for NBC said in a statement.
Some users were also surprised by the seemingly sudden decision of NBC as well.
NBC said…
Golden Globes will not be aired in 2022 because there wasn't enough diversity???
or, is the real truth …there simply wasn't enough viewers???😏 People don't give a shit about the Hollyweird 'elites' in their own minds & what they may have to say…???— 🌹🔥Bond… 🚬Eva Bond🔥🌹 (@stirednotshakn) May 10, 2021
Following the news, one user ingeniously offered to give Cruise’s award for “Magnolia” to fellow actor Jude Law for his supporting role in the 1999 thriller “Talented Mr. Ripley” instead.
Tom Cruise returned his golden globe for Magnolia……..good. Now send it to Jude Law’s house for his performance in Talented Mr Ripley because that’s where it rightfully belongs. pic.twitter.com/Re0xumj9Vd
— Doyle (@Shakoyle) May 10, 2021