After a century of being overlooked, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the addition of a new category to the Oscars: Achievement in Stunt Design. This exciting development was confirmed by the Academy's Board of Governors and will be introduced starting with the 2028 Oscars, marking the 100th Academy Awards.
The announcement, shared via the Academy's social media platforms, highlighted iconic films like 2022's "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and "RRR," as well as 2011's "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol." However, these films won't be eligible for the new award, as only movies released in 2027 and beyond will qualify.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang emphasized the importance of stunt design in cinema, 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."
The specifics and rules for the new category will be detailed in 2027. This addition represents a major milestone in the long and challenging fight for recognition of stunt work in the film industry. The Oscars have historically been slow to introduce new categories, with the last one being Achievement in Casting, approved last year and set to debut at the 98th Academy Awards for films released in 2025.
The introduction of an Oscar for stunt design is not only a testament to the evolving nature of film awards but also a significant victory for the stunt community, acknowledging their crucial role in the cinematic experience.
