Tom Cruise Wins Royal Applause at ‘Digger’—Oscar Hopes Vanish

Tom Cruise, sporting a fresh red hue and towering heels, graced the London premiere of his new film **“Digger”** on Tuesday. He posed beside Prince William and Kate Middleton, turning a typically stiff royal event into a moment of unexpected levity.

The actor’s appearance sparked buzz in the tabloids as he pressed forward with a high‑profile publicity push ahead of the movie’s Friday opening.

However, the film’s Oscar prospects have already taken a sharp downturn.

After a mixed press screening in Los Angeles last week, industry insiders noted that “the placement on all the Oscar lists dropped after that screening.” Debra Birnbaum of Gold Derby confirmed that Cruise’s chances had slipped following last Saturday’s screening at the Steven J. Ross Theater on the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank.

“Digger” is a satirical comedy about a wealthy oil tycoon forced to fix an environmental disaster he caused, directed by four‑time Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Forecasts now set a modest $15 million domestic opening weekend, and early reviews suggest the film’s tone may not resonate with Academy voters.

## Background & Context

Tom Cruise has long been known as Hollywood’s indestructible action hero, a reputation built on “Top Gun” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

This brand was largely divorced from his personal life, with the actor steering public focus toward stunt work and blockbuster spectacle rather than his ties to Scientology or family relationships.

“Digger” presents a different challenge: Cruise appears in makeup and a fat suit, playing a character that demands audiences—and Academy voters—to see him as an actor rather than an action star. The film’s premise, a satirical take on environmental responsibility, marks a stark contrast to the high‑octane roles that defined his career.

Cruise’s awards résumé reflects both success and frustration. Though he has earned four competitive Oscar nominations—Best Actor for “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Jerry Maguire,” Best Supporting Actor for “Magnolia,” and Best Picture as a producer of “Top Gun: Maverick”—he has never won in a competitive category.

He received an honorary Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards last November, a gesture that highlighted his industry standing while underscoring the absence of a competitive win.

In the current Best Actor race, Cruise sits behind Andrew Scott for “Elsinore,” John Malkovich for “Wild Horse Nine,” and Matt Damon for “The Odyssey.” He remains in fourth place, giving him a theoretical chance of nomination but placing him far from the top of the field.

Cruise’s personal life has also resurfaced during the film’s promotion. Critics revived questions about his estrangement from daughter Suri, 20, with ex‑wife Katie Holmes, and his long‑standing ties to Scientology. He remains the church’s most famous member and has been close to leader David Miscavige for decades.

While he has managed to keep his public appearances tightly controlled—living in the UK for the past five years, filming at Pinewood Studios—his personal relationships continue to attract media attention.

## What People Are Saying

Industry chatter after the Los Angeles screening was largely negative. An insider noted that “press reactions were mixed at best,” and the film’s placement on Oscar lists fell sharply following the event.

Debra Birnbaum confirmed that Cruise’s odds “tumbled since the embargo for social media movie reviews lifted,” leaving him in a “big hole” to dig out of.

A single viewer remarked, “Yes, ‘Digger’ is a massive creative swing,” suggesting that while the film has ambition, it also risks alienating critics and voters. Online commentary also focused on Cruise’s personal life.

Instagram users blasted his appearance on the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, urging listeners to ask him about his daughter or “shoutout Scientology.” Another user commented, “He spends more time with the Kelce brothers than his own daughter.”

The actor’s GQ cover further stirred controversy. Cruise appeared baring abs in an open button‑up shirt and jeans, with a hand near his crotch.

One X user posted, “Don’t know how to explain it but I find this photo deeply disturbing.” In a lengthy magazine interview, Cruise declined to discuss personal matters but addressed rumors of his demanding nature: “Look, I work hard, and people that work with me, they know. I expect a lot and I’m up‑front about it.

It’s like: ‘The rumors are true. And do you want this?’”

In 2016, Cruise told ITV News that “It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life. I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years. It’s something that is… without it, I wouldn’t be where I am.

So, it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.” His relationship with the church has long been scrutinized alongside his estrangement from Suri, who has not been publicly pictured with him since she was six. Suri recently changed her last name to Noelle, her mother’s middle name, .

Despite these controversies, a Hollywood source who met Cruise several times described him as “super engaging, polite and incredibly interested in other people.” The source added that Cruise “talks to you as if you’re the only person in the room,” highlighting the actor’s personal charisma even amid public scrutiny.

## What Happens Next

The box‑office outlook for “Digger” is modest. A projected $15 million domestic opening weekend signals that the film may struggle to attract broad audiences. If it underperforms, critics say Cruise will need to intensify his campaign to win over Academy voters.

“If the film’s box office disappoints, he’ll have to work even harder to win over Academy voters,” Birnbaum warned.

Cruise’s support network remains strong. He has close ties with fellow actors, including David Beckham—whom he honored at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony—and the Kelce brothers. These relationships may help keep his name in public conversation as the awards season approaches.

However, the competitive Best Actor field places him far behind current frontrunners, and his recent performance has not captured the same enthusiasm that earlier roles did.

As “Digger” moves into theaters, industry observers will monitor whether the film’s satirical premise can convert Cruise’s bankability into critical acclaim. Whether he can overcome a stalled Oscar trajectory remains to be seen, but the actor’s willingness to step outside his established persona signals a bold, if risky, new chapter.

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