The film industry is set to commemorate the work of stunt performers with the introduction of a new award for achievement in stunt design, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This accolade will debut at the 100th Academy Awards, honouring films released in 2027, as disclosed by the Academy on Thursday.
In a joint statement, the Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, and president, Janet Yang, expressed pride in recognising the contributions of stunt professionals to the cinematic arts. They noted, “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of film-making. We are proud to honour the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
David Leitch, a prominent figure in the film industry who directed the upcoming film The Fall Guy, played a significant role in advocating for the establishment of this award. Leitch, who began his career as a stuntman and worked with notable actors, including Brad Pitt, has a rich history of creating action-centric films such as John Wick. Alongside stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara from Stunts Unlimited, Leitch presented proposals to the academy underscoring the importance of recognising the artistry involved in stunt work.
The Academy’s production and technology branch, which includes over 100 stunt performers, reflects the growing acknowledgement of the skills required for stunt design. The introduction of this award follows another recent development with the addition of a casting award, set to be introduced for films released in 2025. However, similar to the stunt award, it remains uncertain whether these new accolades will be featured in the live Oscar broadcast.
Overall, the establishment of the stunt design award marks a significant step in the recognition of the vital role that stunt performers play in the film industry, highlighting their artistry and dedication. The upcoming 100th Academy Awards promises to present further developments in recognising various facets of film-making.
Source: Noah Wire Services