After decades of campaigning and countless calls from industry insiders and fans alike, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced that Best Stunt Design will be recognized as a competitive category at the Oscars—beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.
This means films released in 2027 will be the first eligible to receive the honour, marking a huge milestone for a profession that has long been considered the unsung backbone of cinematic storytelling.
While categories like cinematography, editing, and visual effects have long been rightly celebrated, stunt teams—who often risk life and limb to deliver the jaw-dropping sequences that define action, drama, and even comedy—have been overlooked by the industry’s most prestigious award ceremony. Until now.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang acknowledged the deep roots of stunt work in cinema, saying:
“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.”
Much of the recent momentum can be credited to The Fall Guy director and former stuntman David Leitch, alongside long-time collaborator and stunt designer Chris O’Hara. The duo have spent years pushing for this recognition, with Leitch calling the announcement “a long journey” and expressing gratitude to the many professionals who paved the way.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades,” Leitch said.
“This is for every performer, choreographer, and coordinator who’s made movie magic possible.”
Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, also shared a powerful statement following the announcement:
“This is a historic moment for our community. Stunt performers 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, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.”
With the spotlight now finally on them, we can expect the 2027 film slate to be filled with some truly inspired and inventive stunt work as teams across the industry gear up to compete for that very first Oscar in the category. And honestly? It’s about time.