The Oscars Will Finally Recognize Stunt Design in 2028

The long battle for stunt performers to receive Oscar recognition has finally ended in victory. Today, the Academy announced it will add a stunt category beginning in 2028, honoring films released in 2027. And even better, the nominees and category will be included as part of the awards show broadcast.

According to Variety, the honor will officially be known as the Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design. In a statement to the trade, Stuntmen’s Association president Jeff Wolfe expressed his happiness with the news.

“This is a historic moment for our community,” he said. “For decades, stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers have played a crucial role in shaping the cinematic experience, often putting their bodies on the line to bring unforgettable moments to the screen. This recognition validates the passion, innovation, creativity and hard work that go into every fall, fight, and fireball. It’s not just a win for our industry—it’s a win for storytelling.”

Major players who have lobbied for the new category include Mission: Impossible stunt junkie Tom Cruise, as well as stunt man turned director and producer Chad Stahelski (The Matrix, John Wick) and director-producer David Leitch (The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, Deadpool 2). Leitch recently directed The Fall Guy as a love letter to the industry’s overlooked heroes who risk their lives for those death defying-stunts that make the magic of cinema real. Along with Stahelski, the filmmakers founded the stunt performer first production company 87North which has championed the integral role stunt design has in the world of cinema. It’s great to see the art form many risk their lives to execute get its due.

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