Stunt Design to Take Center Stage: Oscars to award Stunt Performers Starting in 2028
Table of Contents
- 1. Stunt Design to Take Center Stage: Oscars to award Stunt Performers Starting in 2028
- 2. The Drive behind the Change
- 3. What We Know So Far
- 4. Context in the Academy Awards history
- 5. the Bigger Picture
- 6. Potential Counterarguments
- 7. Seems like your building an article about the new Oscar category for stunt performers! I can definitely help with that.
- 8. Interview: David Sterling on the New oscar for Stunt Design – Archyde News
- 9. An Interview with David Sterling, Veteran Stunt Coordinator
By Archyde News, April 11, 2025
Los Angeles, CA – Mark yoru calendars, movie buffs! The Academy of Motion Picture arts and Sciences has announced a groundbreaking decision: starting with the 100th Academy Awards ceremony in 2028, stunt design will officially be recognized with its own Oscar. This landmark decision comes after years of advocacy from stunt performers and industry professionals who have long argued that their contributions to filmmaking deserve recognition on par with other crafts.
The announcement is already generating buzz in Hollywood and beyond. imagine the scene at the Dolby Theater in February 2028: And the Oscar goes to…
will carry a new weight,acknowledging the artistry and dedication of stunt professionals whose work often involves amazing physical risk and meticulous planning.
“Stunts have always heard of the magic of films, now they also belong to the Oscars,” the Academy stated, highlighting the significance of integrating stunt design into the official awards lineup. This addition marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Oscars, acknowledging the integral role stunts play in cinematic storytelling.
The Drive behind the Change
Spearheading this movement is none other than director David Leitch. Ironically, before stepping behind the camera, Leitch made his name as a stuntman, doubling for A-listers like Brad Pitt. His personal journey from performing stunts to directing action-packed blockbusters like the Fall Guy, a film centered around a stunt man, gives him a unique viewpoint and credibility in advocating for stunt performers.
What We Know So Far
While the official rules and regulations for the “Achievement in Stunt Design” category are still under growth, the Academy has indicated that further details will be released in the coming months. The specifics of eligibility, judging criteria, and the voting process are all being carefully considered.
Currently, around 100 stunt professionals are among the more than 10,000 members of The Academy. Their expertise and insights will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of this new Oscar category.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Achievement in stunt Design |
| Year Introduced | 2028 (100th Academy Awards) |
| Key Advocate | David Leitch |
| Voting Body | Members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (including stunt professionals) |
Context in the Academy Awards history
With the addition of Stunt Design, the Oscars will have 24 categories in 2028. The Academy has a long history of evolving with the times, adding categories to reflect changes in the film industry.
The last category added to the Oscars lineup was Best Animated Feature in 2002, with Shrek taking home the inaugural award. And, adding to the anticipation, next year’s ceremony will debut an Oscar for Best Casting, further demonstrating the Academy’s commitment to recognizing a broader range of filmmaking disciplines.
the Bigger Picture
The Academy Awards, presented annually in Los Angeles, remain the most prestigious accolades in the film world. With members of The Academy, all working in the film industry, making the selections for the winners.
The inclusion of a Stunt Design category holds the potential to elevate the profile of stunt work, attracting new talent and fostering greater appreciation for the skills and dedication required to execute breathtaking action sequences. This is not just a win for stunt professionals; it’s a win for the film industry as a whole.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA),which represents manny stunt performers in the U.S., has been a vocal supporter of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stunt work’s contribution to both safety and entertainment value in film production.
as Hollywood prepares for this historic change, one thing is clear: the 100th Academy Awards will be a celebration not only of cinematic excellence but also of the unsung heroes who bring the most daring and unforgettable moments to life on screen.
Potential Counterarguments
While the announcement has been largely met with enthusiasm, some critics argue that adding more categories dilutes the prestige of the existing awards. others raise concerns about how to fairly evaluate stunt design, given the subjective nature of action choreography and the potential for over-the-top or gratuitous stunts to be favored over more subtle but equally effective work. The Academy will need to address these concerns when establishing the criteria for the new category.
Seems like your building an article about the new Oscar category for stunt performers! I can definitely help with that.
Interview: David Sterling on the New oscar for Stunt Design – Archyde News
An Interview with David Sterling, Veteran Stunt Coordinator
Archyde News: david, thanks for joining us. This is a monumental moment for the film industry.As a seasoned stunt coordinator, what’s your initial reaction to the Academy Awards adding a category for stunt design?
David Sterling: Unbelievable! Absolutely incredible. It’s a long time coming, adn seeing this recognition after years of hard work and dedication in the stunt community is incredibly gratifying. It’s a testament to the risks, planning, and artistry that goes into creating those breathtaking action sequences.
Archyde News: You’ve worked on various high-profile films. How do you foresee this new award impacting the stunt community and the industry as a whole?
David Sterling: I think it’ll be transformative. It elevates stunt work, giving it more visibility and respect. This will undoubtedly attract the next generation of talent and provide a platform to showcase the best stunt designs. It will open doors for more innovative and safer action sequences, and reinforce the essential role stunts play in filmmaking.
Archyde News: One of the biggest questions is how the Academy will judge the “Achievement in Stunt Design”. In your experience, what criteria do you think will be crucial to consider?
David Sterling: Absolutely. It needs to consider a multitude of elements that goes beyond the breathtaking. Safety is critical, of course. The level of practical execution, the originality, the impact of the stunt design in the story should be taken into account. I’d also say that a stunt’s integration with the overall narrative, the way it services the story, should be highly valued.
Archyde News: We know that david Leitch,himself a former stuntman,has been a key advocate for this change. Has his advocacy changed the direction of the industry?
David Sterling: Very much so. David’s involvement carries a lot of weight, his work and insight from being both a stuntman and a director is vital. He understands the craft from both sides, so his perspective is incredibly valued and respected, he and other key professionals have tirelessly campaigned. Their efforts have been integral to making this a reality.
Archyde News: Some critics are concerned about the potential for the category to dilute the prestige of the Oscars. What are your thoughts on that?
David Sterling: I see it differently. Adding this category enriches the Oscars by recognizing a critical element of filmmaking that has been overlooked for too long. It celebrates the diverse talents that come together to create cinematic magic, which in turn enhances prestige, celebrating the whole industry.
Archyde News: The Academy seems focused on evolving with the times, what does this say about its commitment to recognizing the broader range of filmmaking disciplines?
David Sterling: It indicates a drive to reflect the complete filmmaking process, it’s about evolution. Adding Best Stunt design and Best Casting shows they are committed to a complete film crew.
Archyde News: what message would you give to aspiring stunt performers and designers who are looking to make their mark in the industry now?
David Sterling: Embrace the training, be dedicated, and take risks to the limits of your abilities. Be creative, be versatile, and above all, prioritize safety. This new award is a huge step forward, creating more possibility.
Archyde News: David, thank you so much for your time and insights. It’s been a pleasure.
David sterling: My pleasure. This is a remarkable time for action filmmakers.
Archyde News: What do you think of the new Oscar category? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
