Tom Cruise in Scientology controversy

Washington (ANI): 'Top gun' star Tom Cruise is once again at the center of a controversy after being awarded Germany's oldest and prestigious media prize, the 'Bambi Award'. Cruise was honored the prestigious award in the Courage category in its 59th year. "(Cruise) is using his ambition to make films happen that would not have been produced without him," The Hollywood Reporter quoted the jury in its decision, as saying. They were referring to Cruise's film "Valkyrie" directed by Bryan Singer. The film is about the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

There has been an uproar against the project in Germany because of the 45year-old star's high profile involvement with Church of Scientology, a group considered a dangerous cult by many here. Actress Eva Longoria picked up this year's Bambi for best international actor for her role in Desperate housewives. German actor Armin Mueller-Stahl won the best national actor Bambi, while veteran Sophia Loren was presented with a lifetime achievement award. A special jury award went to the German two-part TV series "A Single Tablet,".

Other Bambi winners included Bon Jovi, who won for best music act, and the German women's soccer team, which received a Bambi for their World Cup-winning success this year. Queen Rania of Jordania was also honored for her work for the lives of children worldwide.The Bambi is presented by German publishing giant the Hubert Burda Media Group. It honors achievement in film, television and music as well as sports, fashion and social engagement.