Oscars 2028: Stunt Design Finally Gets Its Spotlight

In a long-overdue move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that a new category—Achievement in Stunt Design—will be introduced at the 100th Oscars ceremony in 2028, honoring stunt work in films released in 2027.

For decades, stunt performers and designers have played a vital role in cinema, from the daredevil antics of Buster Keaton to Tom Cruise’s gravity-defying Mission: Impossible stunts. Yet the Oscars remained silent on recognizing their contributions—until now.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang celebrated the historic inclusion, calling stunt work “an integral part of filmmaking.” The announcement follows years of advocacy by industry professionals, notably director and former stuntman David Leitch (John Wick, The Fall Guy) and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara, who campaigned tirelessly for the category’s inclusion.

Leitch hailed the decision as a long-awaited victory, saying, “We’re standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition.” His sentiments were echoed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick), who praised the move but raised concerns over how credit will be shared in such a collaborative field.

Though other awards like the Emmys and SAGs have long honored stunt work, the Oscars have finally caught up—just in time for their centennial. Here’s hoping the recognition goes to the unsung heroes behind cinema’s most breathtaking action.