Good things happen to those who wait, and we’ve beenwaiting an awfully long timefor this news. Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed their plans tofinallyadd stunt design to the categories at the annualAcademy Awards. Please applaud. Unfortunately, there is a sprinkle of bad news, as the competition won’t heat up until the 2027 cinematic year, with the winners announced at the following year’s 100th Oscars. Sure, we get the milestone anniversary mixed with a milestone event, but we’d love it if the stunt performers could crash into the event next year. Still, we will take our wins where they come and are grateful to seestunt performerscrossing the finish line and earning the props they deserve with this big reveal.
With its rollout not taking effect for a few years, theAcademyhas some time to figure out exactly what the rules will be when it comes to how they’ll judge theBest Stuntcategory. The group of mysterious judges will be working hard to come up with the regulations until 2027, when they’ll move their decisions from the darkness into the light. The specifics are being overseen by the Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leadership. Right now, more than 100 stunt pros make up the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch, meaning they’re already integrated and familiar with the layout.
In a statement paired with the announcement, Academy CEOBill Kramerand Academy PresidentJanet Yangsaid,
“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, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
The Push For a Stunt Category
At the base of the movement for stunt performance to join the rest of the celebrations at the Academy Awards was stunt performer,David Leitch, who used his skills as a top stuntman to break into directing and producing. With titles likeDeadpool 2,Bullet TrainandThe Fall Guyunder his belt, the filmmaker has used his know-how to make every single project an ode to the difficult and often life-threatening craft. Leitch was joined in his efforts byChris O’Haraof Stunts Unlimited, who has previously had his work showcased inVenom,Jurassic World, andBaby Driver.
Adding to Kramer and Yang’s comments, Leitch said,
“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.
This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy”
Meanwhile, somewhere in a martial arts studio,Chad Stahelskiis crying happy tears over the big news. TheJohn Wickdirector has long been a proponent for stunt performers to have their time in the spotlight — specifically on stage at the Academy Awards.A few years ago, he began asking many of the same questions that those in charge of the category are likely pondering now, like does the choreographer receive the trophy or the stunt performer? Nevertheless, he always stuck to his guns, and was certain this day would come,even previously telling Collider,
“I’m all for stunts, for someone to get an Oscar. I think we’re a big part of it, if not one of the biggest parts, especially in the visuals in some of the biggest movies out there.”
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on this exciting win for the stunt performance community.
