In a long-awaited move that recognizes one of the most overlooked crafts in cinema, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced a new category: the Oscar for Achievement in Stunt Design. This historic addition will debut at the 100th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 2027 and celebrated in a landmark ceremony in 2028.
The announcement marks a turning point in the Academy’s relationship with action cinema and physical performance. Despite the central role stunts have played since the silent film era, stunt performers and designers have been continuously sidelined when it comes to Oscar recognition—until now.
“A Momentous Occasion for Cinema”
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said:
“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 inclusion of this award is the result of relentless advocacy from within the industry. David Leitch, director of The Fall Guy and co-creator of the John Wick franchise, played a leading role in pushing the initiative forward alongside veteran stunt designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited.
Leitch, himself a former stuntman for actors like Brad Pitt, stated:
“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.”
Hollywood’s Long Overdue Recognition of Stunts
For decades, stunt professionals have fought for recognition within Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony. While the Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards already recognize stunt work, the Oscars had remained conspicuously silent—until now.
The lack of acknowledgment has long been criticized, especially given the complexity and risk associated with stunt work. From Tom Cruise’s death-defying stunts in the Mission: Impossible series to the high-octane choreography of The Raid and Mad Max: Fury Road, stunts have often defined a film’s cultural impact and box office success.
Concerns Over Execution and Fair Recognition
While the announcement has been widely applauded, filmmakers like Chad Stahelski—director of John Wick and former stunt double for Keanu Reeves—have raised important questions about implementation.
“The idea of giving an Academy Award for stunt design is awesome – don’t get me wrong,” Stahelski said. “Now I would like to know who’s going to decide who gets it, and who actually gets the award? It’s a collaborative effort.”
Stahelski emphasizes that stunts involve many contributors—coordinators, designers, performers, riggers, and choreographers. The Academy will need a clear and equitable system to determine recipients within such a collaborative field.
Why Has It Taken So Long?
That this award is arriving in the Oscars’ centennial year is fitting, if not a little ironic. Stunt work has been part of cinematic DNA since the era of Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, who pioneered many of the practical effects and physical comedy stunts still referenced today.
The delay, according to insiders, has largely stemmed from the Academy’s hesitancy to add new categories and the complex logistics of evaluating stunt work fairly. But the industry’s growing chorus for change—echoed by fans, filmmakers, and performers—has finally tipped the scale.
What’s Next?
As we look toward the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, the focus will be on how the Academy defines and evaluates “stunt design.” Will it reward the choreography, safety, innovation, or narrative integration of the stunts? And who will sit on the nominating and voting panels?
Regardless of those unanswered questions, the addition of the Stunt Design Oscar is a significant leap forward in recognizing the artisans who risk life and limb to bring cinematic action to life.
Final Thoughts
From Tom Cruise dangling from aircraft to the coordinated chaos of John Wick, stunt professionals finally have their moment in the spotlight. As David Leitch said: “We are incredibly grateful.” So are we.
Read more about recent Academy updates on voting, AI, and refugee filmmakers: Oscars 2026 Rule Changes: Voting, AI & Refugee Filmmakers
