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Film - The Fall Guy
Ryan Gosling in a scene from “The Fall Guy.” Universal Pictures via AP

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Thursday that it will add an award for best stunt design, beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028.

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

Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in “Gladiator II.” Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Picturesunt Picture

The award will be the newest honor for the Oscars since the academy established the achievement in casting award in 2024. The first winner of that award will be announced at the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in 2026.

Details about eligibility for stunt design remain unclear and won’t be announced until 2027 with the rest of the 2028 ceremony’s rules, according to the academy.

Speculation about a best stunt award has been floating around Hollywood for years. As Lucas Trevor wrote for The Washington Post in February, industry experts said a number of films nominated at this year’s Oscars had stunt-filled scenes capable of winning awards, including scenes from “Gladiator II” and “Wicked.”

In 2024, the academy said it was open to adding the category shortly after the release of “The Fall Guy,” an action comedy starring Ryan Gosling that gently poked fun at the lack of appreciation for stunt workers. During the film’s promotion, the cast and filmmaking team pushed to see stunt workers celebrated more broadly during awards season.

Film Review-Furiosa
A scene from “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

Several stunt workers have previously been awarded Oscars. Yakima Canutt received an honorary Academy Award in 1967 for his achievements as a stuntman. In 2013, Hal Needham received one of the academy’s Governors Awards for his work in the field, too.

The Oscars won’t be the only show to honor stunt crews, either. The SAG Awards introduced a stunt-based category — outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble — in 2007, with “The Fall Guy” winning the most recent version of the award.

Stunt actors have also been honored at the Taurus World Stunt Awards since 2001. On a smaller scale, Vulture has its own “Stunt Awards,” which give nods to “below-the-line talent that makes great action movies tick.” The post-apocalyptic thriller “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” was the big winner for Vulture in 2025.

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