The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the introduction of a new award for Best Stunt Design, set to commence at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028. This development comes amidst growing calls from the film industry for more inclusive recognition of various filmmaking aspects, particularly those involving stunt work, which has historically been underappreciated at the Oscars. The latest decision is expected to provide greater acknowledgement to genres such as action and science fiction, which are often overlooked by award circuits.
This move addresses longstanding discussions within Hollywood regarding the categories that merit recognition at the prestigious awards. The Academy's decision to introduce this new category aligns with similar efforts that already confirmed a Best Casting Oscar for the 98th Academy Awards. Industry luminaries, including filmmakers and actors, have been vocal advocates for honouring the integral work that stunt coordinators and performers contribute to the cinematic experience.
Projects from recent years that could have potentially won the Best Stunt Design award, had it been in effect, include a number of box-office hits that are heavily reliant on innovative stunt work. For instance, "Mad Max: Fury Road", which debuted in 2015, is heralded as a prime candidate for such an honour owing to its groundbreaking visual artistry and exemplary stunt work, orchestrated by supervising stunt coordinator Guy Norris. The film garnered significant acclaim upon release, including a nomination for Best Picture.
Similarly, 2016's "Captain America: Civil War" featured the strikingly choreographed airport fight scene, a testament to the film’s masterful blending of stunt design with narrative elements. With key contributions from stunt coordinators Mickey Giacomazzi and Sam Hargrave, this film crystallises the direct relationship between action sequences and character development, possibly positioning it as a frontrunner for the imagined award in its release year.
Moving forward to 2017, Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" showcased intricate vehicle stunts that could have also claimed the award, establishing a distinctive edge over more traditional contenders like "Dunkirk". The film’s unique approach to blending music with action further elevated its standing in the realm of stunt design.
The trend of successful integration of stunts continues with 2018's "Black Panther" and its highly praised sequences that not only served action but also contributed to the film's broader thematic explorations of culture and conflict. Stunt coordinators Jonathan Eusebio and Clayton J. Barber's work exemplified how action scenes could elevate narratives within the superhero genre.
In 2019, "1917" demonstrated a remarkable combination of technical precision and action, which might have qualified it for the new category, especially given its significant momentum during awards season with wins for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.
Christopher Nolan's "Tenet", released in 2020, could have seen similar success given its inventive action sequences, a hallmark of Nolan's directorial signature. The creative structure and staging of the stunts were seen as additional layers of complexity that may have appealed to Academy voters.
Denis Villeneuve’s "Dune: Part One" in 2021 showcased varied combat styles, enhancing the narrative through its diverse cultures. The film illustrated the subtleties of action and combat, which could have contributed to its reception within the new category.
In 2022, "Everything Everywhere All At Once" emerged triumphantly at the Oscars, and its inventive stunt design could have further solidified its dominance had there been an award for stunts available, given the film’s successful demonstration of action blended with narrative depth.
Finally, the latest entry in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One", released on 12 July 2023, is noted for its compelling stunt designs. The film’s elaborate sequences, particularly the intricate third act, present a strong case for recognition in this new category, positioning it as a leading contender should there be an Oscar for Best Stunt Design.
With such a diverse array of films that exemplify the artistry of stunt work, the introduction of the Best Stunt Design Oscar is poised to transform recognition for stunt performers and coordinators, celebrating an often underappreciated facet of filmmaking in the upcoming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services