Gone are the days when stuntmen in the industry were labeled as the “unsung heroes” in filmmaking. Though action choreography in Hollywood grew more sophisticated over the years, those gutsy people behind the scenes remained unrecognized for a long time. Be it pratfalls, mayhem clashes, high dives, or car wrecks, moviegoers around the world could not get enough of it.
The allure of Hollywood biggies solidified the need for stuntmen who remained behind the curtains but enhanced the action on the celluloid. As providing visual treats through stunts became an important aspect of filmmaking, the gutsy stuntmen community also played a significant role in catapulting actors into massive stardom. It was high time that stuntmen were paid their due in the industry, and the conversation that stunt-centric blockbuster, The Fall Guy, incited has garnered significant attention.
At the 96th Oscars held in March this year, The Fall Guy cast, including Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, paid tribute to the industry’s all-time greatest stunt performers. Ever since the discussion about introducing a stunt category in the Academy gained momentum. Now, it is confirmed that the plan has been put in motion.
The Academy Awards are adding a new, action-packed category to its list, and the first award for the category will be presented at the 100th annual ceremony that will be held in 2028. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.”
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for the second year in a row.
ALSO READ| ‘No Other Land’ wins Best Documentary Feature at 2025 Oscars
