Introduction of Best Stunt Design Category at the 100th Academy Awards (2027)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced a significant and long-awaited change in the structure of the Academy Awards. Starting with the 100th Oscars in 2028, a new category, Best Stunt Design, will be introduced to recognize the vital contributions of stunt professionals in filmmaking. This decision, a historic milestone in cinema history, comes after years of advocacy by industry figures and reflects the growing recognition of stunt work as an essential part of modern filmmaking. The new category is a triumph for stunt artists who have long been overlooked in the Academy’s traditional awards framework. This article dives into the details behind the decision, the individuals who championed it, and its potential impact on the industry.

Key Points

New Category

• The Academy Awards will introduce the Best Stunt Design category for films released in 2027.
• This marks the 100th anniversary of the Academy Awards.

Advocacy and Support

• The decision followed years of campaigning by David Leitch, a former stuntman and director known for films like Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy, alongside veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara.
• Together, they presented the idea to the Academy’s Board of Governors, leading to the approval of the new category.

Historical Significance

• Stunt work has been an integral part of filmmaking since cinema’s early days but has never been formally recognized by the Academy until now.
• The inclusion of stunt design underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Industry Support

• High-profile directors like Chad Stahelski (of the John Wick series) also expressed support for the change.
• Stahelski praised the Academy for recognizing stunt teams rather than individuals, emphasizing the team effort involved in creating memorable action sequences.

Impact on the Stunt Community

• Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed the decision as a historic moment for the stunt community.
• The new category validates the innovation, creativity, and hard work behind the high-octane action scenes in popular films.

Public Reaction

• There has been an outpouring of support from actors, fans, and critics.
• The announcement has prompted discussions about the recognition of legends like Jackie Chan, whose contributions to stunt choreography and performance are seen as groundbreaking.

Future Steps

• The criteria and voting rules for the Best Stunt Design category will be detailed in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook. The exact format for how the award will be presented is yet to be finalized.