Oscars: Academy Establishes New Category for Stunt Design Beginning with 100th Oscars

Just a year after announcing a new Oscar category for casting (which will go into effect this season), the Academy has revealed that stunts will get their day.

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the creation of an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards for films released in 2027.

“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “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.”

Currently, there are 23 Oscars categories, each represented by an branch individual branch. The lack of a branch devoted to stunt work has partly been the belief of a lack of Oscar recognition in this area. More than 100 stunt professionals are members of the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch.

Category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural award will be announced in 2027 with the complete 100th Academy Awards Rules. The specifics of the award’s presentation will be determined by the Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leadership at a future date.