Since 1929, the Oscars have celebrated films in all aspects—except stunt design. Today, the awards show announced it will finally become an official category.
In nearly 100 years since the awards ceremony began, the Oscars have forgone one of the most vital elements of filmmaking as a recognized category. Stunts have not been formally acknowledged in the ceremony’s long history, but that has now changed with an official announcement from the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The board has agreed to institute an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design, beginning in 2027—the year of the Oscars’ 100th anniversary.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said in a joint statement: “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking. We are proud to honour the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion,” regarding the Academy’s decision to introduce a new awards category for stunt design.
As per the announcement, the Oscars will outline the eligibility criteria for the new Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design in 2027—the first year the award will be up for grabs. Actors such as Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan and Keanu Reeves are known for performing many of their own stunts in films like the Mission: Impossible franchise. However, it remains to be seen whether that will factor into the voting criteria for the Oscars.
The last new award introduced to The Oscars is the Achievement in Casting Award, announced in 2024 and has gone into practice during the 98th Academy Award,s with Anora winning awards honours. The new Stunt Design award will land on The Oscars agenda in 2027.
