Academy Awards to Introduce Best Stunts Category for 100th Anniversary in 2027

LOS ANGELES – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that a new Best Stunts category will be officially introduced at the 100th Academy Awards in 2027, marking a historic change in how Hollywood recognizes on-screen artistry. The decision comes after decades of persistent calls from filmmakers, stunt performers, and fans to acknowledge the physical risks and creative brilliance behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable sequences.

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion in Hollywood and among global film enthusiasts. One prominent reaction noted the bittersweet timing, suggesting that while the move is long overdue, iconic action stars such as Jackie Chan, known for his groundbreaking stunt work, are now past their peak. For many, the decision feels both celebratory and reflective of lost opportunities to honor earlier trailblazers in the field.

A Century-Old Institution Undergoes Change

The Academy Awards, founded in 1929, has historically been slow to add new categories. With nearly a century of tradition, shifts to the Oscar lineup are rare and often controversial. Since the addition of Best Animated Feature in 2002, few adjustments have been made.

The lack of recognition for stunt professionals has long been viewed as a glaring omission, given the crucial role they play in shaping the cinematic experience. Audiences recall spectacular sequences—whether a car chase roaring through the streets of San Francisco, an explosive rooftop leap in Hong Kong, or breathtaking martial arts choreography—that have defined entire genres and elevated actors to superstar status. Yet for decades, the performers and coordinators responsible for these moments remained invisible during awards season.

Adding a Best Stunts category, set to debut during the Oscars’ centennial ceremony, is both symbolic and practical, signaling a greater willingness by the Academy to evolve as filmmaking itself advances.

The Legacy of Stunt Performers

Hollywood’s stunt performers have a long and storied history. In the silent film era of the early 20th century, stars like Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd performed their own dangerous gags, often at great personal risk. Keaton famously underwent near-death experiences while executing elaborate physical comedy, while Lloyd lost part of his hand in an on-set accident but continued to work.

By mid-century, westerns, war epics, and chase-driven thrillers cemented stunt work as fundamental to American cinema. Behind the scenes, stuntmen and stuntwomen pioneered techniques that became industry standards, including wirework, stage combat, and precision driving.

In modern cinema, elaborate stunt coordination has evolved into an art form blending choreography, engineering, and advanced safety measures. The rise of franchises like James Bond, Mad Max, Mission: Impossible, and Fast & Furious owes much of their spectacle to stunt teams pushing the boundaries of what can safely be achieved on-screen.

Yet even as visual effects have advanced to unprecedented levels, practical stunts continue to carry a visceral authenticity that resonates strongly with audiences.

Jackie Chan and the Timing Debate

Among the many responses to the Academy’s announcement, much of the conversation has gravitated toward Jackie Chan. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living stunt performers, Chan popularized a unique combination of martial arts, comedy, and high-risk choreography throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Chan famously insisted on performing his own stunts, earning international fame for death-defying sequences such as leaping between skyscrapers, sliding down skyscraper facades, or enduring multiple on-screen beatings without reliance on doubles. His influence on action cinema remains unparalleled, inspiring generations of actors and choreographers worldwide.

However, at 71, Chan is long past the physical height of his career. Many fans have expressed regret that the Oscars’ new category arrives too late for him to receive the recognition he deserves during his most daring years. While Chan has received honorary awards for lifetime achievements, critics argue that a competitive Oscar for stunts would have been a natural acknowledgment of his contributions during his prime.

Global Comparisons and Regional Context

Interestingly, other regions of the world have historically shown more appreciation for stunt-driven filmmaking. Hong Kong cinema, for example, often celebrated the role of action choreography and martial arts direction as crucial elements of film artistry. Awards such as the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography have existed since the 1980s, with Jackie Chan himself winning multiple times.

Similarly, in India, the Filmfare Awards and regional ceremonies frequently highlight action sequences as a distinct category of achievement. Bollywood’s rich tradition of high-octane productions ensures stunt directors are well-recognized figures in the industry.

In contrast, Hollywood, despite producing some of the most iconic action blockbusters in history, has lagged behind in formal recognition. stunt performers in the U.S. have long campaigned for greater acknowledgment, pointing out that Oscars routinely celebrate technical excellence in visual effects, sound design, and costume, yet neglected the bodily risks undertaken during major film productions.

By announcing the new category, the Academy appears to be aligning more closely with international practices, acknowledging that stunts represent not just spectacle but an intricate craft deserving of distinction.

Economic and Industry Impact

The introduction of Best Stunts is likely to reshape dynamics within the film industry. For major studios, the prospect of earning awards recognition for stunts creates a new incentive to invest in practical stunt work rather than relying excessively on digital effects. Producers may be more willing to allocate budget toward elaborate set pieces, knowing that such efforts could yield both box office success and awards prestige.

For stunt professionals, industry recognition could elevate careers that were often confined to anonymity. Receiving an Oscar nomination has historically transformed fortunes for artists, technicians, and craftspeople across disciplines. Winning in Best Stunts could catapult coordinators and performers into greater visibility, potentially paving the way for higher compensation, better safety protocols, and stronger union representation.

From an economic standpoint, action-driven franchises, already among the most profitable sectors of the movie business, stand to benefit even more. A stunt-focused Oscar might be seen as an industry stamp of approval, adding longevity and legitimacy to genres sometimes dismissed as “popcorn entertainment.”

Public and Industry Reactions

Reactions to the announcement have been largely enthusiastic, with many stunt professionals expressing relief that their craft will finally earn mainstream recognition. Social media platforms flooded with tributes to legendary sequences, from the motorcycle chase in The Matrix Reloaded to Tom Cruise’s extended daredevil escapades in Mission: Impossible.

However, some skepticism lingers over how the category will be judged. Unlike acting or cinematography, stunts involve collective work often shared among teams. Determining individual credit, distinguishing between the contributions of performers and coordinators, and defining the criteria for excellence are all unresolved challenges the Academy will need to address in the coming years.

Still, the timing of the announcement—aligned with the Oscars’ centennial milestone—suggests a deliberate attempt to underscore both tradition and progress. The 100th Academy Awards is expected to be a major event, celebrating Hollywood’s past while signaling its direction for the next century of filmmaking.

Looking Ahead

As the 2027 ceremony approaches, filmmakers are already speculating which productions might become the first nominees for Best Stunts. With major studios accelerating development on action films, the inaugural award will likely be hotly contested. Franchises with reputations for practical stunt work, as well as independent productions committed to authentic physicality, stand poised to reap recognition.

Ultimately, the introduction of the category represents a new chapter in honoring the unsung heroes of cinema—the performers who fall, crash, leap, and fight so that audiences can experience the thrill of impossible spectacle safely from their seats.

The Oscars’ decision may arrive too late for legends such as Jackie Chan to compete during the height of their careers, but its establishment ensures that future generations of stunt professionals will finally see their work celebrated on Hollywood’s most prestigious stage.