After decades of high-flying, bone-crushing, explosion-dodging action—without a single golden statue to show for it—the Oscars are finally catching up. Beginning in 2028, the Academy Awards will officially include a new category: Best Stunt Performance.
Yes, the people who literally throw themselves out of burning buildings, crash cars at full speed, or take punches for our favorite stars are finally getting their moment on the biggest stage in cinema.
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Why Now? The Long-Overdue Recognition of Hollywood’s Invisible Heroes
For years, stunt coordinators and action legends like David Leitch (John Wick, Bullet Train, and former Brad Pitt double) have fought for this recognition. After all, some of cinema’s most iconic moments—from Mission: Impossible’s helicopter chases to Mad Max: Fury Road’s vehicular mayhem—were made possible by these unsung artists.
Yet, despite their life-risking work, stunt performers have been shockingly absent from the Oscars stage—until now.
“This isn’t just about adrenaline,” says an industry insider. “It’s about respect, safety standards, and inspiring the next generation of stunt professionals.”
Who Could Win? The Early Front-Runners for the Best Stunt Gold
The Best Stunt Performance Oscar will debut at the 100th Academy Awards, honoring work in films released starting in 2027. But how will voting work? Who exactly qualifies—the stunt performer, the coordinator, or the entire team? The Academy will reveal the full rules closer to the big night.
One thing’s certain: Tom Cruise’s, Keanu Reeves’, and Charlize Theron’s stunt doubles are now strong contenders for gold. (And let’s be honest—after Mission: Impossible’s cliff jumps, John Wick’s gun-fu, and Furiosa’s war rig chaos, they’ve more than earned it.)
But this isn’t just about thrills and spills—it’s a cultural reset. For decades, stunt work has been shockingly overlooked, despite being the backbone of blockbuster cinema. This Oscar forces Hollywood to finally acknowledge these artists, inspire future talent, and—critically—push for safer sets.
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The Bigger Picture: A Win for Safety and Representation
This isn’t just about trophies—it’s a game-changer for the industry. Stunt work has long been underpaid, underprotected, and undervalued, leading to dangerous conditions on set. By giving these professionals an Oscar, the Academy is forcing studios to take their safety—and artistry—seriously.
“If cinema runs on explosions, fistfights, and death-defying leaps,” says a veteran stunt coordinator, “then it’s time Hollywood honored the people who literally break their bones to entertain us.”
Historic Moment for Action Cinema
The Oscars are evolving—and not a moment too soon. Whether it’s Cruise’s Mission: Impossible team, Reeves’ John Wick assassins, or the next generation of stunt legends, 2028 will be the year Hollywood’s toughest finally get their due.
Because let’s face it—without them, movies just wouldn’t be this thrilling.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.
