Los Angeles, April 11, 2025: In a landmark decision hailed by filmmakers and action professionals alike, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that an Oscar for Achievement in Stunt Design will be introduced at the 100th Academy Awards, recognizing films released in 2027.
The long-awaited move follows years of passionate advocacy from within the film industry, pushing for greater recognition of the technical and artistic contributions made by stunt professionals.
“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 in a joint statement on Thursday. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists and congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
The Academy’s production and technology branch, which includes over 100 stunt professionals, played a key role in the push for this historic inclusion.
Filmmaker and former stuntman David Leitch, known for directing action-packed films such as John Wick and The Fall Guy, was instrumental in the campaign for the new category. Alongside stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited, Leitch made presentations to the Academy highlighting the critical role of stunt work in storytelling.
“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 and Charlie Chaplin to today’s inspiring stunt designers, coordinators, and performers,” Leitch said in a statement. “This recognition is a tribute to all who have fought tirelessly for this moment.”
O’Hara, who became the first to be officially credited as a stunt designer for his work on The Fall Guy, emphasized the evolving creative role of modern stunt professionals.
“To be seen by the film community as stunt designers hopefully brings more light to what we really do,” O’Hara said in a prior interview. “Back in the day, stunt guys were the cowboys. Now we are creatives — we design thrilling, innovative moments, just like production or costume designers.”
The addition of the stunt design category is being lauded as a long-overdue step in acknowledging one of cinema’s most physically demanding and artistically complex crafts.
