Although the awards season has concluded, the Academy Awards are generating buzz with an exciting new development: the introduction of a category dedicated to stunt work. As films such as *The Fall Guy*, *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, and the thrilling stunts performed by Tom Cruise gain popularity, the push for recognition of the talent behind these jaw-dropping moments has never been stronger.
The upcoming 2025 Academy Awards are seen as a turning point for the Oscars, especially amid criticisms of the show feeling outdated. Historically, awards ceremonies like the Oscars and Golden Globes celebrated the movie stars that embodied the lifeblood of the film industry. However, with the industry’s current focus on intellectual properties (IPs) and blockbuster franchises, the Oscars’ tendency to overlook popular films has created a disconnect with wider audiences. While some films, like *Wicked* and *Barbie*, manage to balance box office success with Oscar recognition, there’s a growing need for the Academy to realign itself with popular sentiment.
The Oscars Will Introduce a Best Stunt Design Category in 2027
Honoring Stunt Work with the 100th Academy Awards
Set to debut in 2027, the new category, titled Best Stunt Design, will officially debut at the 2028 Academy Awards. This addition is particularly significant as it acknowledges the crucial role that stunt work plays in many beloved films. It is astonishing that stunts, a central part of action and adventure cinema, haven’t been recognized formally alongside other essential categories like sound design and costumes. Future nominees could include fan-favorite films such as *John Wick*, *Mission: Impossible*, and *Mad Max*, finally acknowledging the creativity and skill of those behind the scenes.
While the exact films eligible for this new category have yet to be finalized, the 2027 lineup includes anticipated titles such as *Avengers: Secret Wars* and *The Batman Part II*. The introduction of this category has the potential to encourage the creation of more stunt-centric films, even those that are not part of major franchises. We might witness innovative projects reminiscent of *Police Story* or *Ip Man*, which emphasize exceptional action choreography.
Advocates for Change: Hollywood Figures Push for Stunt Recognition
Influential Voices: David Leitch and Ryan Gosling
David Leitch has become a prominent figure in Hollywood’s action genre, known for directing hits like *Atomic Blonde* and *Bullet Train*. With a background in stunt work that dates back to the 1990s, Leitch has been at the forefront of advocating for the recognition of stunt professionals, championing their contributions to cinema. His influence is significant, particularly in light of creating the new Academy category.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling, who stars as a stuntman in *The Fall Guy*, has utilized media appearances to spotlight the hard work of stunt performers. His wife, Eva Mendes, even shared his advocacy efforts on social media following the announcement of the new category, underscoring the support from top industry talent.
No discussion of stunts in Hollywood is complete without mentioning Tom Cruise. Although he has not actively campaigned for the Oscar category, his dedication to performing his own stunts has enlightened audiences about the artistry involved in stunt work. Cruise strives to deliver authentic experiences and embodies the traditional movie star ethos, although it’s essential to distinguish that the Academy is primarily recognizing stunt professionals rather than actors.
Understanding Nomination Criteria for the Stunts Oscar
Clarifying Eligibility: Actors vs. Stunt Professionals
In the aftermath of the Oscars’ announcement, there has been a growing call from fans for Tom Cruise to receive an honorary award for his extensive stunt work. However, it’s crucial to note that nominees for the new category are likely to be limited to stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers. This emphasis aims to honor those often overlooked behind the scenes, steering away from celebrating actors’ performances alone.
While actors known for doing their own stunts, such as Cruise, Keanu Reeves, and Donnie Yen, deserve recognition for their physical contributions, the focus of this Oscar category will be on those performing the stunts as a profession. In specific cases, such as Tom Cruise, who also serves as a producer, there may be discussions about eligibility. Still, the Academy’s commitment to spotlighting the unsung heroes of stunt work seems clear moving forward.
The Delayed Recognition of Stunt Work at the Academy Awards
The Challenges of Establishing New Categories at the Oscars
As we celebrate the 100th Academy Awards, the institution will officially add a stunts category, a long-overdue acknowledgment of their pivotal role in the film industry. The question arises, why has it taken so long for such a category to materialize? There are several factors at play, including increased advocacy from industry heavyweights like Gosling.
The Academy Awards, having enjoyed extensive success for decades, has often been hesitant to implement changes. However, this new addition is a step toward modernizing the recognition of various film contributions. Other recent category changes, such as the one for casting added in the previous year, may have laid the groundwork for this initiative. Concerns about the extreme nature of stunt work and the potential for dangerous situations also fueled reluctance to introduce this award, highlighting the awkward balance between appreciation and safety.