Oscars to introduce Stunt Design category in 2027 marking historic milestone for action filmmaking

The Academy will add a Stunt Design Oscar in 2027, marking a milestone for action filmmaking and industry recognition.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a landmark addition to the Oscars: a new competitive category recognising Achievement in Stunt Design.

This long-awaited move will debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2027, marking the first time the Oscars will formally honour the work of stunt professionals.

“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang stated. “We are proud to honour the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The decision follows decades of lobbying from industry professionals, including David Leitch, director of John Wick and Deadpool 2, who began his career as a stuntman. “This has been a long journey for so many of us,” said Leitch. “Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.”

While the Academy has previously recognised stunt work with honorary awards—most notably Hal Needham in 2013 and Yakima Canutt in 1967—this marks the first official competitive Oscar for stunt achievements. More than 100 stunt professionals are already part of the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch.

Category eligibility criteria and voting guidelines will be released with the full 100th Academy Awards Rules in 2027. Presentation details will be finalised by the Academy’s Board of Governors in the coming year.

The addition of the stunt category follows the creation of the Achievement in Casting award, established in 2024 and set to debut at the 98th Oscars. With this move, the Academy continues its efforts to broaden recognition of essential film crafts often overlooked.