Tom Cruise Missed Out On Oscars To Avoid Clash With Nicole Kidman Despite Many 'Maverick' Noms

Chukwudi Onyewuchi
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman
Getty | Ron Galella, Ltd.

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's romance was once the envy of many, but sadly, it ended with a bitter divorce. Several years after calling it quits, the Hollywood icons still don't have a relationship. Recent reports even revealed that Tom skipped the 2023 Oscars to avoid a run-in with Nicole. Here are the details.

Tom's Movie Was A Success 

Tom was noticeably absent from the Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, despite the commercial and critical success of his movie Top Gun: Maverick, which earned six nominations. 

Tom Was At The Oscars Luncheon 

The entertainment icon was hailed for "saving Hollywood" after producing and starring in the film and refusing to sell it to a streaming service in favor of a theatrical release that made over $1.5 billion.

Tom Wasn't At The Oscars 

Tom Cruise on set
Flickr | CNE CNA C6F

Nevertheless, despite appearing at the Oscars luncheon and being photographed with eventual winners, Tom opted not to attend the main ceremony.

Insiders' Claims About Tom's Absence 

Insiders have claimed that the actor's reason for missing out on the Oscars was to avoid clashing with his ex-wife, Nicole.

Details Of The Claims

During a chat with DailyMail, a source revealed, "Tom was not there because she was there, and he did not want a run-in." On the other hand, sources close to Tom had something else to say.

Tom's Sources Say Otherwise 

According to them, the Golden Globes award winner wasn't absent for personal reasons but due to scheduling difficulties. The sources, however, didn't reply specifically to the claims that it had to do with Nicole's presence.

When Did Tom And Nicole Meet?

Tom and Nicole first crossed paths in 1990 while filming the motor-racing movie Days of Thunder. At the time, the actress was 23 and unknown in Hollywood, while Tom had some acting credits under his belt.

Tom And Nicole Marry And Welcome Kids 

Shortly after they met on set, Tom and Nicole became romantically involved, and that same year, they tied the knot. The ex-couple would go on to adopt two children, Isabella and Connor.

Tom And Nicole Part Ways 

But unfortunately, in 2001, after 12 years of marriage, Tom and Nicole split, with the former filing for divorce shortly after, citing irreconcilable differences.

The Reason For The Split 

However, reports revealed that the actor's main reason for ending things with Nicole was because she refused to join the church of Scientology.

Nicole Loses Custody Of Her Kids 

The actress would lose her husband and her kids, as Tom was given full custody of their children, who are also Scientologists like their father.

Nicole Was Shocked By The Split 

Over a decade after the divorce, Nicole spoke candidly about the painful split, which she revealed left her utterly shocked. 

Nicole Thought Her Life With Tom Was Perfect 

During a 2012 interview with DuJour Magazine, the Nine Perfect Strangers star said she thought her and Tom's life together was perfect.

Nicole Recalls Her Sweet Relationship With Tom

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman
Flickr | Truus, Bob & Jan too!

According to Nicole, it took a very long time to heal after the divorce, as it was quite shocking. The actress confessed that she and Tom were in a bubble, adding that they became dependent on each other.

Nicole Would Have Done Anything For Tom 

The 55-year-old further shared that she was totally smitten by the actor, fell madly and passionately in love with him, and was willing to go to the ends of the earth for him. 

Nicole Says She Was Naive

Actress Nicole Kidman
Flickr | カーン

But in the end, Nicole admitted she was naive to think that her ex-husband was her happily ever after. According to the actress, she was happier than ever at the time of the interview than she had ever been.

Nicole Isn't Speaking To Her Kids 

Meanwhile, Tom isn't the only one Nicole hasn't interacted with for a long time. Reports have said the mom has not spoken to her two adopted children.

Nicole Is Branded A Suppressive Person 

As earlier stated, Isabella and Connor are devoted members of the Church of Scientology. So, when Nicole refused to join, she was tagged as a "Suppressive Person."

Nicole Still Loves Her Children

In the end, the actress was cut off from her family. Nicole may not be in contact with her kids, but she has understood their decision and still loves them. Hopefully, someday, the family will put their differences aside and reunite.