Oscars recognize stunt professionals with new award category
- The Academy will introduce an Oscar category for Stunt Design in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.
- This decision is the result of a long campaign advocating for the recognition of stunt professionals in the film industry.
- The new category is seen as a significant step toward honoring the contributions of stunt performers and their essential role in filmmaking.
In the United States, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to debut a new Oscars category for Achievement in Stunt Design during the 100th ceremony in 2028. This announcement highlights a significant shift towards recognizing the contributions of stunt professionals, who have played a vital role in filmmaking since its inception. The academy's decision is informed by growing advocacy within the film industry, notably from director David Leitch, who has worked tirelessly for this recognition, helping to amplify the importance of stunt work in cinema and its impact on storytelling. The introduction of the stunt design category reflects an evolving understanding of filmmaking's complexity, paralleling the establishment of previous categories like the recently introduced award for casting. Support from industry veterans and public opinion has surged in favor of acknowledging the hard work of stunt professionals, who often remain unrecognized despite their critical contributions to the safe execution of high-octane action sequences. Many stakeholders in the film industry believe that this new category will not only provide honor to stunt workers but also encourage higher standards of safety and creativity in the execution of stunts. The decision aligns with a cultural moment spotlighting stunt performers, exemplified by Leitch's film