Tom Cruise got a few mentions at last night's Academy Awards despite not even gracing the star-studded event with his presence.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel couldn't resist poking fun at the actor's absence as he delivered a scathing opening monologue on stage at the Dolby Theatre - with Cruise's controversial religion Scientology the butt of a few jokes.
Despite his film Top Gun: Maverick being nominated for six Academy Awards, Cruise opted not to attend the star-studded event due to filming the eighth film in his long-running Mission: Impossible franchise.
But his absence didn't stop Cruise's name being mentioned frequently throughout the evening - with host Kimmel paying tribute to the star's character in the Top Gun franchise as he was spliced into a pivotal Maverick scene.
Following the video segment, the comedian went on to sarcastically refer to Cruise's blockbuster hit as "small, independent film" during his savage opening monologue, before pulling out the big guns and poking fun at the actor's beloved religion.
“The movie that saved the movies,” Kimmel said as he discussed Top Gun: Maverick's huge success at the box office.
“Everyone loved Top Gun — everybody. I mean, Tom Cruise with his shirt off in that beach football scene. L. Ron hubba-hubba — you know what I’m saying?”
Kimmel was referring to the late L. Ron Hubbard, who founded the Church of Scientology.
The Oscars host didn't stop there, going on to menton Cruise's absence from the awards as he pointed out Avator James Cameron was also missing from the star-studded audience.
“The two guys who insisted we go to the theater, didn’t come to the theater,” the comic told the crowd.
“So if you’re hoping to get a look at Tom Cruise, he’s not here. Or maybe he is here. Maybe that’s Tom Cruise right there, wearing a Judd Hirsch Mission: Impossible mask. There’s only one way to find out for sure: Judd, we’re going to need you to drive a motorcycle off the roof of the theater.”
It wasn't just the Oscars host who had Cruise on their mind last night.
Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks mentioned the award-winning actor as she took to the stage with a performer in a bear costume - a nod to her surprise hit film.
As the 'bear' appeared to look confused during a bit, Banks said: "Batman flying around — it’s not real. Tom Cruise flying around is real — but also: visual effects."
Away from jokes and random comments, Cruise got a heartfelt mention as his Top Gun Maverick colleagues collected the Oscar for Best Sound - their only win from their six nominations.
