Starting in 2027, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will introduce a new category to honour excellence in stunt design at the Oscars, set to debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028. This announcement was made by the Academy's Board of Governors on Thursday, a significant step towards recognising the contributions of stunt professionals in the film industry.
The initiative was spearheaded by David Leitch, the director of the upcoming film "The Fall Guy," who has a background as a stunt performer and coordinator. Leitch, along with stunt coordinator and designer Chris O'Hara, advocated for the inclusion of this category, demonstrating their long-standing commitment to elevating the visibility of stunt work within the filmmaking process.
The Academy has yet to announce the eligibility and voting rules for the inaugural award, with further details expected to be revealed in 2027. Additionally, specifics regarding the presentation of the award are still under consideration by the Board of Governors.
In a statement, Leitch expressed his appreciation for this development, stating, "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." He credited O'Hara and other industry professionals for their efforts in advocating for this long-awaited recognition, adding, "This has been a long journey for so many of us. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy."
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang acknowledged the importance of stunt design in the cinematic arts, noting that it plays an "integral part" in filmmaking since the industry’s inception. They expressed pride in honouring the innovative work of stunt professionals, recognising their creative contributions and the dedication required to achieve this momentous occasion.
Jeff Wolfe, the President of the Stuntmen's Association, also commented on the announcement, stating that he is "thrilled and proud" of the recognition given to the stunt community. He highlighted the significant role that stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers play in shaping the cinematic experience, often at great personal risk. Wolfe remarked, "This 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."
Historically, the most recent category introduced at the Oscars was for achievement in casting, which was established in 2024. This new stunt design category follows in the footsteps of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which first introduced an award for outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble in 2007.
The film "The Fall Guy" features a number of stunts performed by the lead character, played by Ryan Gosling. However, Gosling’s performance relies heavily on the expertise of professional stunt performers. Notably, Logan Holladay, who set a Guinness World Record in 2024 with 8.5 cannon rolls, executed the driving stunts for the film. Other stunt performers, including Ben Jenkin and Troy Brown, contributed their skills for various action sequences.
In an interview, Holladay shared insights into the thrilling nature of stunt work, saying, "We like adrenaline! We come from action sports. Our entire lives have been spent scarring ourselves and getting a thrill in achieving something." Jenkin, reflecting on the impact of gaining recognition through their work, noted, "We didn't get into this to win awards, be famous, and be recognised. This whole thing is so new to us." He emphasised the importance of acknowledging every team involved in the creative process of filmmaking, underscoring that all contributions deserve recognition.
The Academy's move to introduce a stunt design award marks a pivotal moment for the film industry, aiming to honour the dedication and artistry of stunt professionals.
Source: Noah Wire Services