A Historic First for the Oscars!

In a groundbreaking move, the Academy Awards will finally recognize the art of stunts by introducing a new category for Best Stunt Design starting at their 100th ceremony in 2028. This exciting announcement comes after years of passionate advocacy from within the film industry.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that the Best Stunt Design category will honor the films released in 2027, marking a monumental shift in how stunts are perceived in cinema.

"Since cinema's inception, stunt design has played a crucial role in filmmaking," stated the Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and president, Janet Yang. They expressed pride in acknowledging the remarkable work of stunt professionals, celebrating their innovation and dedication.

Champions of Change: The Voices Behind the Award

Leading the charge for this new honor is David Leitch, director of the 2024 film The Fall Guy. Leitch, a former stuntman turned filmmaker, has long championed for stunts to be recognized as an essential aspect of filmmaking. He joined forces with stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara to advocate for this overdue acknowledgment.

Leitch reflected on the journey, stating, "This has been a long road for many of us. Standing on the shoulders of the professionals who have fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades, we are incredibly grateful for this milestone. Thank you, Academy!"

A Collaborative Effort: The Future of Stunt Design

While the decision to introduce this category has been met with enthusiasm, industry veterans like Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick 4, raise concerns about the award's eligibility and voting process. Stahelski emphasized the collaborative nature of stunt design, wondering how the Academy will fairly recognize the teamwork behind stunts.

He stated, "Stunts are a collaborative effort. We need to ensure that the award goes to the right people, not just one individual."

Hollywood Reacts: Unsung Heroes of Cinema

The push for recognition has garnered support from stars like Chris Hemsworth and Jason Statham, who have labeled stunt performers as "the unsung heroes" of the film industry. Hemsworth expressed disbelief that this conversation persists, while Statham criticized the lack of acknowledgment for those risking their lives in dangerous stunts, referring to it as "an injustice."

A Step Forward, But More to Come

As the Academy prepares to unveil rules around eligibility and voting in 2027, the introduction of the Best Stunt Design category marks a critical evolution for the Oscars. It's a victory years in the making, echoing similar recognitions in other prestigious awards like the Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Moreover, the Oscars have recently taken steps to expand their categories, including adding a prize for casting achievement starting from 2025. Could this mean more exciting changes are on the horizon?

The Countdown to 2028!

Mark your calendars: the 2028 Oscars promise to be a night of celebration for stunt artists everywhere. With their long-awaited recognition finally on the horizon, the red carpet is set to be filled with the heroes of action films, truly deserving of their moment in the spotlight!