A standing ovation for Tom Cruise? Sure, why not?! He's responsible for selling at least a few million copies of Us Weekly and Star — and that takes chutzpah. Well, chutzpah or one carefully orchestrated publicity machine that's desperately in need of an engine change .. whichever.

But while you and we might be applauding him for such a feat, that's not why nearly 7,000 descended upon East Grinstead in Sussex, England. No, they were there at the Church of Scientology's British headquarters to honor Tommy for donating more than $3.5 million to the cult church over his years of devotion.

The windfall of donations earned Cruise an upgrade from last year's Platinum Meritorious Award: the Diamond Meritorious Award. And who was there to cheer him on? Hurricane Katrina save-rs John Travolta and Kelly Preston, who must live out their years knowing they will never be as loved as Cruise, by the church or Katie Holmes.

John Travolta stars in Scientology Night Fever [Independent]