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In a major move to recognise the artistry behind action in cinema, the Academy has officially introduced a new competitive category for stunt design. The award will make its debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, honoring films released in 2027. This milestone was made possible largely due to filmmaker David Leitch, who championed the cause and represented the stunt community in pushing for its inclusion at the Oscars.
“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 in the news release published on the Academy's official website. “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 announcement of an Oscars stunt design category has led many to call for Jackie Chan to receive a lifetime achievement award. Chan, known for performing his own dangerous stunts across a career spanning over 60 years and 150 films, suffered multiple injuries while filming. Fans are disappointed that the recognition for stunt work came after Chan's retirement from action roles and are urging the Academy to honor him, either with the first stunt award or a lifetime achievement tribute, for his immense contribution to cinema.
Can we just give Jackie Chan a lifetime achievement Academy Award for Best Stunt Design?
— Yoni Wagner (@ReelAesthetica) April 11, 2025
This is insane. pic.twitter.com/1zZWIQLFSP
They’re gonna have to start the ceremony by giving Jackie Chan & Tom cruise 25 Oscar’s each just to make up for the times they weren’t acknowledged. https://t.co/Eeb3Xzdlcw
— Captain Save a Hoe 🦦 (@Miggs_NotMigos) April 11, 2025
The Academy shared the news on its social media platform X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.” The official announcement poster also highlighted three films—Everything Everywhere All at Once featuring Michelle Yeoh, RRR with Ram Charan and Jr NTR, and Mission: Impossible starring Tom Cruise—with the words "Stunt Design Oscar" displayed across the three posters.
At last!!
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) April 11, 2025
After a 100 year wait !!!
Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for the films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to @TheAcademy, CEO Bill Kramer, and… https://t.co/QWrUjuYU2I
RRR director Rajamouli celebrated the announcement of the new Oscars stunt design category, thanking David Leitch, Chris O'Hara, and the stunt community for making it possible. He also expressed gratitude to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang for recognizing stunt work and was thrilled to see RRR's action visuals featured in the announcement.
We’re blessed that #RRRMovie is the first feature film to bring INDIA's first ever #Oscar in the Best Song Category with #NaatuNaatu! 💪🏻
— RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) March 13, 2023
No words can describe this surreal moment. 🙏🏻
Dedicating this to all our amazing fans across the world. THANK YOU!! ❤️❤️❤️
JAI HIND!🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/9g5izBCUks
The RRR team expressed pride over the Academy's new Stunt Design category, highlighting it as a major milestone for action choreography, a field long overlooked in filmmaking. They also celebrated the continued recognition of their film.