Oscars to Introduce Stunt Design Category at 100th Academy Awards:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday that it will introduce an Oscar for Achievement in Stunt Design. This new category will debut at the 100th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 2027.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the historical importance of stunts in filmmaking:

“Stunt design has been a vital part of cinema since its beginnings. We're proud to officially recognize the talent and dedication of these creative artists.”

Currently, the Academy’s production and technology branch includes over 100 stunt professionals, marking a significant base of industry expertise behind this development.

Industry Push for Recognition Leads to Historic Decision

Director David Leitch, known for action-heavy films like John Wick and The Fall Guy, played a key role in advocating for the new award. Along with stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited, the two presented a case to the Academy highlighting the artistic value of stunt work.

“Stunts are deeply embedded in every genre and are crucial to the industry’s history,” Leitch said. “This moment honors the legacy of those who have fought for recognition.”

O’Hara, the first to receive a "stunt designer" credit for his work on The Fall Guy, said the title better reflects the craft involved:

“We're not just performers — we're creators. This recognition shows our contribution is on par with other creative roles like production or costume design.”

Ongoing Discussions About Award Implementation

While the new category marks progress, some questions remain. It's not yet clear if the award will be part of the televised Oscars ceremony.

Chad Stahelski, co-director of John Wick, welcomed the recognition but called for careful planning:

“This is a major step. But the stunt department is collaborative — not like a single designer role. We need to figure out how to fairly credit everyone involved.”

Stunt Work Has Long Been Celebrated Outside the Oscars

Other major awards shows have already recognized stunt professionals:

The Emmy Awards include categories for stunt coordination and performance.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards honor stunt ensembles in both film and television.

The Academy also recently introduced a new casting category, starting with films released in 2025.

At the 2024 Oscars, a tribute video showcased over a century of stunt achievements, featuring clips from iconic productions like Mission: Impossible and The Matrix, as well as pioneers like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.