'What Happened to Him?': Users Stunned by Tom Cruise's Appearance as He Receives US Navy's Highest Civilian Honor – Photos

He's a Hollywood legend whose high-flying roles have defined a generation, but his recent public appearance left fans buzzing—not for his iconic performances, but for a prestigious honor and a look that has everyone talking.

Tom Cruise recently received the US Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor given to civilians by the Navy. The prestigious award was presented by US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, during a formal ceremony held at Long Cross Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, UK, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, sparking significant buzz online.

The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary service, acts of valor, or heroism on behalf of the Navy over a significant period. In addition to the award, Cruise was presented with a medal, symbolizing his contributions and ongoing support to the US Navy.

In photos from the event, Cruise was seen standing alongside Del Toro as he held the distinguished award and medal. Dressed in a classic navy-blue suit, the "Vanilla Sky" actor smiled at the cameras while proudly showing his new accolade.

Another image captured the 62-year-old superstar alongside the Secretary of the Navy holding a framed certificate of achievement.

However, despite the significance of the ceremony, Cruise's appearance quickly became a topic of heated discussion online. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, with users sharing their thoughts about his noticeably altered look.

On Instagram, many users were quick to express surprise. One user wrote, "Tom Cruise got attacked by fillers! 💉" Another commented, "Looks like he saved one of the old Mission Impossible masks and threw it in the microwave before awards ceremony [sic]."

A third user said, "Botox fillers." Another added, "yikes! botched fillers & tox [sic]." One person simply asked, "What happened to his appearance?!"

Over on Facebook, the reactions echoed a similar sentiment. One user questioned, "What happened to him?!" Another commented, "Yikes! Stung by bees [sic]??" A user concluded, "This is not Tom Cruise."

On Reddit, users speculated about the actor's appearance in more detail. One person wrote, "He's pumped his face so full of fillers to try and look younger that even Photoshop is no longer able to make him look like a normal looking [sic] guy."

Another explained, "It's called filler face. Initially they start trying to fill in the spaces that have lost volume due to aging, but you can't really keep filler where you want it exactly so over time you just end up losing your facial definition and looking really bloated and puffy [sic]."

A user asked, "Why does his face look so puffy lately?" Another observed, "He has a ton of filler in his face." One person added, "Wow, plastic surgery much [sic]?"

While much of the conversation surrounding the ceremony focused on Cruise's appearance, the event itself celebrated his decades-long commitment to the U.S. Navy. The "Jack Reacher" alum, who was previously named the U.S. Navy's 36th Honorary Naval Aviator, received the Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award, the highest civilian honor the Secretary of the Navy can bestow outside the Department.

Cruise's contributions have extended far beyond the silver screen. His iconic portrayal of Naval aviators in "Top Gun" (1986) and its sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022) brought the Navy's mission to audiences worldwide, inspiring countless individuals to serve.

During the ceremony, Cruise expressed deep appreciation for the recognition. While addressing Secretary of the Navy Del Toro, he expressed:

"I admire you. I've been with you personally, seeing how much you care about the servicemen and women. And I have great respect for you. We've known each other now these many years, and I really appreciate it. I appreciate everyone being here. I appreciate you taking the time and for this extraordinary acknowledgment [sic]."

The "Jerry Maguire" actor went on to honor the collective efforts behind his success. "I accept this on behalf of not just myself but our entire cast, our crew, our writers, directors, the studios in Hollywood who are so dedicated to helping. I admire all of the servicemen and women. I know in life something that is very true to me is that to lead is to serve, and I know that to my core."

Secretary Del Toro commended Cruise's efforts, highlighting his impact on Navy recruitment and awareness. He said, "It was an honor to present Tom Cruise with a Defense Public Service award for his decades of naval advocacy through many movies. His work has inspired generations to serve in our Navy and Marine Corps."

Cruise's dedication has spanned nearly four decades, from the 1980s to the present. Films like "Top Gun" led to a surge in Navy pilot recruitment during the late 1980s and 1990s, while "Top Gun: Maverick" sparked similar interest among younger audiences.

Reflecting on his impact, the "Mission Impossible" actor remarked, "I'm happy I have been able to be a source of inspiration to many of the sailors who serve today or have served in the past. The effort was not just on my end, but the cast and crew I get to work with on all our sets. They are what really bring the work to life."

Cruise's association with the Navy is closely tied to his role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in the "Top Gun" franchise. Directed by Tony Scott, the first film followed the elite fighter pilots at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, with Cruise's "Maverick" challenging authority while clashing with rivals like Iceman, played by Val Kilmer. The movie became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the skill and bravery of Naval aviators.

The next installment of the blockbuster phenomenon, "Top Gun: Maverick," was released 36 years later. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the sequel revisited Maverick decades later, training a new generation of pilots for a dangerous mission.

With a star-studded cast that included Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, and Glen Powell, the film struck a chord with older audiences nostalgic for the original and younger viewers inspired by its depiction of Naval aviation.

As Cruise continues his celebrated career, fans can look forward to his next big-screen appearance. The actor will return as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning," which is set for release in May 2025.

Despite the buzz surrounding his appearance at the recent ceremony, Tom Cruise's dedication to honoring the sacrifices of Naval personnel remains the central takeaway.

The Distinguished Public Service Award highlights his unique ability to bring the Navy's mission to life on screen and inspire generations.