The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will officially recognize the vital contributions of stunt performers and coordinators by introducing an “Achievement in Stunt Design” award at the 2028 Oscars.
A Long-Awaited Milestone for Stunt Professionals
The Academy confirmed the addition of this new category in a formal announcement on April 10. While the industry is celebrating the news, the specific eligibility criteria and rules for the award are slated to be unveiled in 2027, with films released during that year becoming the first to qualify for the accolade.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the historical importance of the craft, stating, “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking. We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
Years of Advocacy Finally Pay Off
The creation of this award follows years of intense lobbying from influential industry figures. Directors and stunt experts, including Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy director David Leitch and Stunts Unlimited coordinator Chris O’Hara, have spent years presenting their case to the Academy’s Board of Governors to secure this recognition.
“Stunts are essential to every genre of film,” Leitch noted in a statement to Variety. He highlighted the evolution of the craft, noting it is “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.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Leitch added, “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.”
Broadening the Scope of Academy Recognition
The introduction of the Stunt Design category marks a continued effort by the Academy to modernize its awards slate. This shift follows the 2024 announcement of the “Achievement in Casting” award, which is scheduled to be presented for the first time during next year’s ceremony, further expanding the scope of technical and creative roles acknowledged by the institution.
