After more than a century of anticipation, the Oscars are finally introducing a long-overdue category: Achievement in Stunt Design. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced that the new award will debut at the 2028 ceremony, marking the 100th anniversary of the Academy Awards.
The Board of Governors confirmed the decision, emphasizing the vital role stunt design has played in filmmaking since the dawn of cinema. In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said, “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking. 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 was shared across The Academy’s social media platforms, spotlighting iconic action films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), RRR (2022), and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)—each celebrated for their groundbreaking stunt work. However, these films will not be eligible for the new award. The first eligible entries will be films released in 2027.
Details regarding the category’s eligibility criteria, submission rules, and voting procedures will be released in 2027.
This milestone represents a major victory in the decades-long effort to recognize the artistry and precision of stunt professionals in film. For years, proposals for a stunt-related Oscar category were introduced annually—from 1991 to 2012—but never gained enough support. The addition of the Stunt Design award follows the recent introduction of the Achievement in Casting category, which will launch at the 98th Oscars for films released in 2025.
The 2028 ceremony will not only celebrate a century of cinematic excellence but also formally acknowledge the daring, skill, and creativity behind some of the most unforgettable moments in movie history.
