We are beyond thrilled to report the Academy Awards have finally decided to include stunts into their annual Oscars. The actual category as announced today will be for “Stunt Design,” but is a huge step in the right direction to honor the hardwork and dedication of one of the important film-making disciplines.
After all, what would the “Mad Max” films have been without the INCREDIBLE work of Guy Norris, his teams, and the countless performers who put their bodies on the line for those cinematic ooos and aaas. Not to mention fight choreography in movies like the “John Wick” franchise, which begs THAT question, too.
“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang said. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
No one is sure yet if there will be actual nominees for members to vote on, or if just one project will be awarded. The rules for eligibility and voting for this new category will be announced in 2027, as part of the 100th Academy Awards Rules. The first award for Stunt Design will be presented at the 2028 Oscars.
Stunt performer-turned-director/producer David Leitch (“The Fall Guy” 2024) and stunt coordinator/designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited made presentations to the Academy’s board of governors to push for this, joining a long line of fellow professionals who lobbied to make this change happen.
We’re just happy to see the Academy take this step forward.
