The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors has announced that it is establishing a category for stunt design, starting with the 100th Oscars in 2028 for movies released in 2027.
David Leitch, the director and producer of The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2, spearheaded the effort on behalf of the stunt community to create the new official Oscar category.
This is a result of a series of presentations to the Academy by Leitch, Chris O’Hara, the stunt coordinator and designer for Stunts Unlimited, and others. The Board of Governors approved the new honours category today.
The Academy’s production and technology department has around 100 stunt professionals.
Leitch said in a statement that:
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“Stunts are essential to every genre of film and rooted deep in our industry’s history from the groundbreaking work of early pioneers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin, to the inspiring artistry of today’s stunt designers, coordinators, performers, and choreographers.”
Leitch, Chris O’Hara went, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.
We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy.” Chad Stahelski (“John Wick”) told Variety that,
“It’s humbling and we feel very honoured to be honoured where some of the best in the industry go.”
“I think it’s much more of an achievement. You’re talking over 100 years of stunt performances.
The department has been around since the very inception of films.
It’s very nice to see that the Academy has really heard the voices of the stunt committee, and not only did they come back with an award,
I think they did a really interesting thing with giving a Stunt Design Award, as opposed to an individual performer, because our department is one of the most collaborative and intricate of all the departments.”
The full 100th Academy Awards Rules will be released in 2027, along with the category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural prize.
At a later time, the Academy’s executive leadership and Board of Governors will decide how the award will be presented.
In the 2024 Oscars, the achievement in casting award category was the final one to be created.
Movies released in 2025 will start with the 98th Academy Awards the following year.
In a statement to Variety, Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, said,
“I can’t express enough how thrilled and proud we are to see the Academy recognize the art and craft of stunt action design with its own Oscar category. This is a historic moment for our community.
For decades, stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers have played a crucial role in shaping the cinematic experience, often putting their bodies on the line to bring unforgettable moments to the screen. It is therefore notable to realise that recognition validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work that go into every fall, fight, and fireball. It’s not just a win for our industry, it’s a win for storytelling.”
