Honouring Unsung Heroes! Oscars to Introduce Stunt Design Award for 100th Ceremony
The initiative gained momentum with support from industry figures like David Leitch, renowned for directing action-packed films such as 'John Wick' and 'The Fall Guy'.
In a landmark decision marking its 100th ceremony, the Academy Awards will finally include an award recognizing the art of stunt design. Scheduled to debut at the 2027 Oscars, this new category aims to celebrate the essential yet often overlooked role of stunt performers in filmmaking.
“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint announcement on Thursday. “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.”
The initiative gained momentum with support from industry figures like David Leitch, renowned for directing action-packed films such as "John Wick" and "The Fall Guy," a tribute to stunt performers. Leitch, a former stuntman himself, collaborated with stunt coordinator Chris O'Hara of Stunts Unlimited to advocate for this recognition within the Academy.
The decision follows recent efforts by the Oscars to expand recognition beyond traditional categories. Earlier, the Academy introduced an award for Achievement in Casting, set to debut in 2025. However, details on whether the new stunt design award will be featured during the live Oscars broadcast remain unspecified.
Within the Academy’s production and technology branch, over a hundred stunt performers contribute their expertise, underscoring the industry’s reliance on their skill and daring. As the countdown begins to the centennial Academy Awards, anticipation grows among filmmakers and fans alike for this overdue acknowledgment of stunt design excellence.
