Oscars Introduces New Stunt Design Category for 2028 Ceremony
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a landmark decision to introduce a new competitive category for stunt design at the prestigious Oscars, starting with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027.
David Leitch: Advocate for Stunt Professionals
Director and producer David Leitch, known for his work on films like “The Fall Guy,” “Bullet Train,” and “Deadpool 2,” spearheaded the initiative aimed at recognizing the contributions of stunt professionals in cinema. Leitch, who transitioned from stunt performer to director, collaborated with notable figures such as stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara to advocate for this recognition, delivering presentations to the Academy that ultimately led to the Board of Governors’ approval.
Acknowledgment of Stunt Designers’ Contributions
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the significance of this new category: “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking… We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”
A Long-Awaited Recognition
Reflecting on the achievement, Leitch shared a heartfelt message via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the years of effort put forth by him and O’Hara. “This has been a journey for so many of us! We built on the work of all the stunt designers who fought so hard for this in the past over the past decades,” he stated.
Future Details and Voting Process
The Academy will disclose the rules regarding eligibility and voting for the inaugural award in 2027, coinciding with the complete guidelines for the 100th Academy Awards. The specific arrangement for the award presentation is yet to be finalized by the Academy’s Board of Governors.
Growing Recognition in the Industry
With over 100 stunt professionals part of the Academy’s production and technology branch, the inclusion of this category signifies an important step towards recognizing the craft of stunt work in Hollywood. The last new category introduced was for achievement in casting, established in 2024.
Community Reactions
Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, expressed immense pride over the Academy’s decision, stating, “I can’t express enough how thrilled and proud we are to see the Academy recognize the art and craft of stunt action design with its own Oscar category… It’s not just a win for our industry—it’s a win for storytelling.”
Comparison with Other Awards
The Screen Actors Guild Awards first recognized stunt performance with a category for outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble in 2007. Leitch’s film “The Fall Guy” recently won that accolade, showcasing the ongoing recognition of stunt work in the industry.
Future Momentum for the Stunt Community
In recent years, the push for recognition of stunt professionals has gained traction, culminating in significant milestones such as the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild approving the designation of “stunt designer” for the first time in 2024.
This historic development is a strong affirmation of the critical role that stunt coordinators and designers play in crafting compelling narratives and unforgettable cinematic moments.
