The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the creation of 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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “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.”
Prolific director and producer, David Leitch (“The Fall Guy,” “Bullet Train,” and “Deadpool 2“), led the initiative on behalf of the stunt community to make “Achievement in Stunt Design” an official Oscar category. David himself started as a stunt performer and coordinator before making the leap to directing, as well as founding his 87North Productions banner with Kelly McCormick. He, along with renowned stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited made several presentations to the Academy, leading to the Board of Governors approving the new awards category today.
“Stunts are essential to every genre of film and rooted deep in our industry’s history—from the groundbreaking work of early pioneers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin, to the inspiring artistry of today’s stunt designers, coordinators, performers, and choreographers. This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy” – David Leitch (“The Fall Guy,” “Bullet Train,” “John Wick”), director/producer, 87North
The complete 100th Academy Awards Rules will be announced in 2027, along with category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award. At a later date, the specifics of the award’s presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leadership.
More than 100 stunt professionals are the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch members.
The last new award category created was Achievement in Casting, established in 2024 and beginning with the 98th Academy Awards for films released in 2025.
I decided to go back to when the Academy expanded their Best Picture lineup to ten and see what I think would’ve won this new Oscar had it existed and here’s what I came up with…
2024: Dune: Part Two
2023: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
2022: Everything Everywhere All At Once
2021: Dune
2020: Tenet
2019: Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
2018: Black Panther
2017: Dunkirk
2016: Hacksaw Ridge
2015: Mad Max: Fury Road
2014: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
2013: The Grandmaster
2012: Skyfall
2011: War Horse
2010: Inception
2009: Avatar
What do you think of this news? What do you think would’ve won a Best Stunts Oscar over the last several years? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
