The great Debbie Allen is presented with honorary Oscar by Cynthia Erivo – watch her dynamite acceptance sppech

I’m so inspired by Debbie Allen and her journey. Determination, resilience, trailblazing, passion and so much achievement as an actress, dancer, choreographer, director, producer, activist and mentor to generations. Here are the videos from last night’s Governor’s Awards where she was presented with an honorary Academy Award by Cynthia Erivo. I’m also including fellow honoree Tom Cruise’s speech because the part (at 4:15) where he pays tribute to Miss Allen made me cry.

Cruise said to Allen: “You are a queen; your impact on this industry and this world is profound. And you are more than a dancer, you are more than an actor, director, choreographer, or producer. You are a once-in-a-lifetime force of kindness and artistic expression. You opened the door for countless young artists to find their voice, discipline and fulfill their dreams, and have lifted generations through your example, your excellence and your heart. You are the very personification of the words your extraordinary mother, Vivian Ayers, wrote ‘To be brave, be beautiful, and be free.”