A stunt design category is coming to the Oscars.
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 in 2028 for films released in 2027.
Director and producer David Leitch (“The Fall Guy,” “Bullet Train,” “Deadpool 2”) led the initiative on behalf of the stunt community to institute the new official Oscar category. Leitch started as a stunt performer and coordinator before making the leap to directing, as well as founding his 87North Productions banner with Kelly McCormick. Leitch and stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited and others made several presentations to the Academy, leading to the Board of Governors approving the new awards category today.
“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.”
In a statement, Leitch said, “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.” He went on to say, “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.”
Chad Stahelski (“John Wick”) told Variety, “It’s humbling and we feel very honored to be honored where some of the best in the industry go.” He went on to say, “I think it’s much more of an achievement. You’re talking over 100 years of stunt performances. The department has been around since the very inception of films. It’s very nice to see that the Academy has really heard the voices of the stunt committee, and not only did they come back with an award, I think they did a really interesting thing with giving a Stunt Design Award, as opposed to an individual performer, because our department is one of the most collaborative and intricate of all the departments.”
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.
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. It will begin with next year’s 98th Academy Awards for films released in 2025.
In a statement to Variety, Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, said, “I can’t express enough how thrilled and proud we are to see the Academy recognize the art and craft of stunt action design with its own Oscar category. This is a historic moment for our community. 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.”
Another major awards player, the SAG Awards, first introduced a similar category, outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble, in 2007. Leitch’s “The Fall Guy” took home the most recent trophy. During the press tour for the film, actor Winston Duke advocated for the addition of a stunt-related Oscar category, telling Variety, “We’re allies of the stunt community, and we make this movie to try to bring you in as allies as well, as consumers and as movie goers, and people who participate in your own way in filmmaking. There could be no movies without the audience and we need you to amplify the voice of these folks as well. It takes allyship to get this to change.”
The stunt community has fostered increasing momentum for recognition in recent years. In 2024, the Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America approved the first-ever credit of “stunt designer” (first used for O’Hara in “The Fall Guy”).
From Variety US