An achievement in stunt design prize will be added starting with the 100th Academy Awards, which will recognize films released in 2027, the film academy said Thursday.
After decades of demand from film lovers and industry insiders, Oscars will finally recognize stunt professionals with Stunt Design Award. The unsung heroes behind some of cinema’s most thrilling moments.
Starting with the 100th Academy Awards, which will honor films released in 2027, the Oscars will include a new category: Achievement in Stunt Design. This long-awaited decision was confirmed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang shared a joint statement celebrating the move. “Stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking since the early days of cinema. We’re proud to honor these creative and technical artists for their innovation and dedication.”
Achievement in Stunt Design– A Win for the Stunt Community
Over 100 stunt performers are already part of the Academy’s production and technology branch. But until now, their work remained largely unrecognized in the form of a major award.
Director David Leitch—known for John Wick and the 2024 release The Fall Guy—has played a key role in pushing this initiative forward. Having started his career as a stuntman himself, Leitch teamed up with stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara to make the case for the new award. Their advocacy included official presentations to the Academy.
“Stunts are the backbone of every film genre,” said Leitch. “From early legends like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin to today’s highly skilled choreographers and performers, this moment is the result of decades of hard work and persistence.”
Changing Perceptions of Stunt Work
Chris O’Hara, the first person credited as a "stunt designer" for his work on The Fall Guy, hopes this new recognition reshapes the way the industry views his field.
“In the past, stunt guys were just seen as cowboys,” he told the Associated Press in 2024. “Now, we’re creators. We design experiences the way a costume or production designer does.”
This acknowledgment of stunt design marks a turning point in how the Academy values behind-the-scenes artistry.
A Nod to the Past and an Eye on the Future
At the 2024 Oscars, a tribute montage highlighted Hollywood’s rich history of stunts—from silent-era feats to modern blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and The Matrix. Oscars have now officially joined them, the Emmys and SAG Awards, who have long celebrated stunt work.
This comes on the heels of another recent addition to the Academy lineup: an award for casting achievement, set to begin with films released in 2025.
However, questions remain over whether the stunt design award will be part of the main Oscars telecast. There’s also growing curiosity about how recipients will be chosen, given the highly collaborative nature of stunt work.
A Milestone for the Film Industry
Chad Stahelski, co-director of John Wick and longtime stuntman, welcomed the announcement but stressed the importance of fair recognition.
“An Oscar for stunt design is incredible,” he said. “But who decides who gets it? Stunts are a team effort. We’ve waited 100 years—let’s make sure this award honors the right people.”
As Hollywood looks ahead to its centennial celebration of the Oscars, the stunt community finally takes center stage.
