The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pulled off an impressive feat by announcing — without any heads-up — that its Board of Governors approved an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design. The category’s inaugural Oscar will be given out in 2028 at the 100th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 2027.
“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang via statement. “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.”
Rules for eligibility and voting for the Stunt Design award will be announced in 2027 as part of the complete 100th Academy Awards rules. The specifics of the award’s presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leadership at a future date.
The recognition comes after years of public advocacy, most recently seen in the campaign for the 2024 film “The Fall Guy,” directed by former stunt performer and coordinator David Leitch, which included stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt presenting a stunt montage at the 96th Academy Awards.
In response to news of the Stunt Design category being realized, the director and 87North Productions co-founder 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.”
Giving a shoutout to his “The Fall Guy” stunt designer Chris O’Hara, the first artisan to have said credit on a feature, Leitch added, “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.”
Many have discussed how the category may take shape, should it ever be established, with O’Hara telling IndieWire, “That’s the idea for the Stunt Design category in the Academy: ‘Did the action fit the story? What’s the whole package of the movie?’”
With over 100 stunt professionals who are already members of the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch, there are certainly peers capable of determining the right qualifications for achievement in the craft.
The announcement follows the recent establishment of the Achievement in Casting Oscar, created in 2024 and beginning with next year’s 98th Academy Awards for films released in 2025.
