Oscars Introduce Best Stunt Design Category; RRR Among Highlighted Films:

In a historic move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the introduction of a new competitive category: Best Stunt Design. This category will debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, honoring films released in 2027. The decision marks a significant acknowledgment of stunt coordination and action choreography—areas of filmmaking that have long been overlooked.

RRR Celebrated Among Notable Action Films

Among the few films spotlighted by the Academy was RRR, the international action blockbuster directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR. Known for its high-energy sequences and stunning visual storytelling, RRR was celebrated alongside Mission Impossible and Everything Everywhere All At Once in a promotional poster shared on the Academy’s official Instagram page.

The Academy captioned the update: “Stunts have always been part of the beauty of filmmaking. These days, they feature in the Oscars.”

RRR Team Reacts to the Recognition

The official Twitter handle for RRR expressed excitement over the news:
"THE PROUDEST MOMENT FOR ALL OF US. So happy the world keeps honoring #RRRMOVIE and its Action. Again and yet again."

This recognition follows RRR's historic win at the 2023 Oscars, where it earned India’s first Academy Award for Best Original Song for the globally loved track Naatu Naatu. That victory brought further attention to the film’s action sequences, cultural themes, and broad cinematic impact.

Industry Veterans Champion the New Stunt Category

David Leitch, known for directing Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, and The Fall Guy, played a key role in advocating for the stunt category. He introduced the initiative alongside veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. In a joint statement, Leitch said:

“This has been a hard road for so many of us... We stand on the shoulders of the stunt experts who have battled ceaselessly for acceptance over many years. We really thank you. Thanks, Academy.”

Details on Voting Criteria to Be Released in 2027

The Academy stated that specific eligibility and voting rules for the Best Stunt Design category will be announced ahead of the 2028 ceremony. Until now, only two stunt professionals—Yakima Canutt in 1966 and Hal Needham in 2012—had received honorary Oscars for their contributions.

This competitive category marks a new chapter in recognizing technical excellence and the physical artistry that define many of today’s cinematic achievements.

Another New Category: Achievement in Casting

This announcement follows another recent expansion in Oscar categories. In 2024, the Academy introduced Achievement in Casting, which will debut at the 98th Academy Awards in 2025. These changes reflect the Academy’s commitment to acknowledging behind-the-scenes talent that shapes the film industry.