The Oscars are finally recognizing stunts with a new category, something long desired by stunt people but never realized until now.
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Thursday that they are creating an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards for films released in 2027.
“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said in a statement. “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.”
Category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award will be announced in 2027 with the complete 100th Academy Awards Rules. The specifics of the award’s presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leadership at a future date.
For decades proponents of an annual stunt category have met with various AMPAS administrations but to no avail. Most recently, John Wick and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch, who started as a stuntman and stunt coordinator, had been among the most vocal in urging the creation of a new category. Finally it has happened, though there have been special Oscars in the past, most recently one to Hal Needham in 2013. Veteran stuntman Yakima Canutt also received an honorary Oscar in 1967.
More than 100 stunt professionals are members of the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch.
The last new award category created was Achievement in Casting, established in 2024 and beginning with the 98th Academy Awards for films released this year.
