The Oscars Are Finally Recognizing Movie Stunt Performers
Many folks — myself included — have long been puzzled by the Academy’s unwillingness to recognize the work of movie stunt performers. Stunt performers do have their own awards ceremony and are recognized by other groups like the Screen Actors Guild. Nevertheless, it’s always seemed odd, and even a little insulting, that the Oscars recognize a wide range of cinematic endeavors — e.g., directing, acting, production design, writing, music, visual effects — but not the efforts of those who literally risk their lives for cinema.
That’s finally changing in 2028, however, when the Oscars will finally offer an award for best stunt design for films released in 2027.
Director and producer David Leitch (“The Fall Guy,” “Bullet Train,” “Deadpool 2”) led the initiative on behalf of the stunt community to institute the new official Oscar category. Leitch started as a stunt performer and coordinator before making the leap to directing, as well as founding his 87North Productions banner with Kelly McCormick. Leitch and stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited and others made several presentations to the Academy, leading to the Board of Governors approving the new awards category today.
The effort to get the new category was spearheaded by director David Leitch, who got his start as a stuntman before moving on to direct The Fall Guy, Deadpool 2, and the first John Wick film (which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski). In a statement, Leitch welcomed the Academy’s announcement:
Stunts are essential to every genre of film and rooted deep in our industry’s history — from the groundbreaking work of early pioneers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin, to the inspiring artistry of today’s stunt designers, coordinators, performers, and choreographers… This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy.
Last February, the Academy added a “Best Casting” category, which will be part of the 2026 ceremony for films released in 2025. Before that, the most recently added category was for “Best Animated Feature Film,” which debuted in the 2001 Oscars. The Academy has also discontinued several Oscar categories over the years, including “Best Original Story,” “Best Assistant Director,” and “Best Sound Editing.”
Speaking of movie stunts, the most recent trailer for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning was released several days ago. (The film arrives in theaters on May 23, 2025.) The Mission: Impossible movies have become nigh-legendary for their over-the-top stunts and action sequences, and The Final Reckoning looks like it’s doing its utmost to uphold the franchise’s reputation.
