Oscars stunt design award officially announced as Academy honors 2027 films with new action-focused category. The category will make its debut during the 100th Oscars ceremony.
Stunt performers will finally get the credit they deserve for their technical and creative contributions to movies, following decades of industry demands.
Why This Matters
“Stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking since the silent era,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang. “We are proud to honor these artists’ innovation and dedication.”
Stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara and director David Leitch—known for “The Fall Guy” and “John Wick”—led the advocacy for the award. Their work helped elevate stunt design into a recognized creative discipline.
“We are incredibly grateful,” said Leitch. “We stand on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought for decades to make this happen.”
Stunt Design: A Collaborative Art
O’Hara, credited as the first-ever “stunt designer” on The Fall Guy, emphasized the evolution of the profession:
“We’re no longer just the cowboys of the set. We are creatives—just like production and costume designers.”
Still, some concerns remain about how the award will be judged.
Chad Stahelski, who co-directed John Wick, noted:
“Now we need clarity on who actually receives the award. It’s a team effort.”
A Long Time Coming
While other shows like the Emmys and SAG Awards have recognized stunts for years, the Oscars have lagged behind. In 2024, the Academy aired a tribute video celebrating over 100 years of stunt work—from Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin to Mission: Impossible and The Matrix.
Now, with the upcoming Oscars stunt design award, Hollywood takes a meaningful step toward honoring one of its most dangerous and dynamic crafts.
Source: AP News