Hollywood’s stunt community is finally getting its recognition at the Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new competitive category for achievement in stunt design, with the first award to be presented in 2028.
The move follows decades of lobbying by stunt performers and coordinators, who argued that their work was essential to filmmaking but had long been overlooked. Veteran stunt coordinator Jack Gill began advocating for an Oscar for stunts in 1991, securing support from industry bigwigs like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.
Academy leaders initially rejected the idea, citing a lack of stunt professionals among academy members. However, over the past decade, the organization has tripled its stunt professional membership to over 100. The announcement marks a historic milestone in the stunts community’s push for recognition.
Director David Leitch, who helmed action hits like “Deadpool 2” and “Bullet Train,” spearheaded the campaign with his producing partner Kelly McCormick. They made presentations to the academy, alongside stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara, to make their case for a new category.
The introduction of the stunt design award is seen as a recognition of the craft’s importance in cinematic spectacle. Leitch pointed out that stunts have played a critical role in film history, from early pioneers like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin to modern-day designers.
While some academy insiders had previously doubted the viability of a new category due to the small number of stunt professionals among members, the organization has moved to recognize their contributions. The lack of Oscar recognition had become a source of frustration for the stunts community, but last year’s Oscars included a special tribute to stunt performers and coordinators.
The rules around eligibility and voting for the new award will be released in 2027, and details on how it will be presented are still to be determined. The introduction of the stunt design category marks a significant milestone in the stunts community’s journey towards recognition.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-04-10/stunts-will-get-their-own-oscar-ampas