California [US], April 11 (ANI): On Thursday, the Board of Governors at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled plans for a new competitive Academy Award category recognizing excellence in stunt design.
The introduction of this new film category will start with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for movies released in 2027, as reported by Variety.
As reported by the source, Director and Producer David Leitch spearheaded the effort on behalf of the stunt professionals to establish a new official Oscar category.
Leitch maintained a distinctive connection with this category since he began his journey as a stunt performer in the movie business prior to transitioning into directing. Alongside stunt coordinator and designer Chris O'Hara from Stunts Unlimited and various other individuals, Leitch presented multiple proposals to the Academy. This collaborative effort culminated in the Board of Governors ratifying the introduction of the new award category earlier today.
"From the very beginning of film history, stunt designing has played a crucial role in movie production. It gives us great pleasure to recognize the groundbreaking efforts of these skilled technicians and imaginative creators, and we applaud their steadfast devotion leading up to this significant milestone," stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang according to Variety.
According to the source, the criteria for eligibility and voting for the first-time award will be disclosed in 2027 alongside the full set of guidelines for the 100th Academy Awards.
The details regarding how the award will be presented will be decided at a later date by the Academy’s Board of Governors along with its executive leaders. The most recent new award category introduced was part of the Oscars The accomplishment in casting was set up in 2024. It will kick off with the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for next year, honoring films released in 2025.
Jeff Wolfe, who serves as the president of the Stuntmen's Association, shared with Variety his joy regarding the introduction of the stunt design category. Describing it as a "landmark occasion," he highlighted its significance for their field (stunt performers).
"The excitement and pride I feel about seeing the Academy acknowledge the art and craftsmanship of stunt action design with its very own Oscar category cannot be overstated. This marks an unprecedented milestone for our community. Over many years, stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers have been essential in crafting memorable movie experiences, frequently risking life and limb to deliver thrilling scenes. The acknowledgment they're receiving now underscores the dedication, ingenuity, imagination, and effort poured into each jump, battle scene, and explosion. More than being a victory within our sector, this represents a triumph for narrative arts," stated Wolfe according to Variety (ANI).