Earlier this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a significant addition to the Oscars lineup: starting in 2026, there will be an award for Achievement in Casting. This news was met with widespread celebration among film enthusiasts on social media. However, it also reignited a long-standing conversation about recognizing another group of unsung heroes in the film industry: stunt performers.
For years, fans and industry professionals have advocated for a dedicated stunt category at the Oscars. The calls for recognition grew louder during this year’s ceremony when “The Fall Guy” stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt introduced a tribute to stuntmen and women, sparking speculation about an imminent announcement. Although that announcement didn’t come at the ceremony, it seems the idea might finally be gaining traction.
According to a recent report by Empire, the Academy is seriously considering adding a stunt category. Bill Kramer, the Academy’s CEO, discussed the potential new category during an interview at Cannes. “We’re talking to members of the stunt community who are Academy members about the possibility of that,” Kramer shared. “We added a new award that will launch in two years for Casting Directors, so we’re always open to those discussions.”
The campaign for a Best Stunts category has been a long and arduous journey. An in-depth report by IGN earlier this year highlighted the complexities of adding a new category to the Oscars. The process involves significant support and votes from the Academy’s various committees before receiving approval from the Academy Board of Governors.
The introduction of the Best Casting category demonstrates that such changes are indeed possible. As Janet Yang mentioned, the Academy has evolved over the years, continually creating new branches and adapting to the industry’s shifting landscape. The recognition of stunt performers at the Oscars would be a monumental step in acknowledging the crucial role they play in bringing cinematic stories to life.
While the addition of a Best Stunts category is not yet confirmed, the ongoing discussions and support from the filmmaking community indicate a promising future. Should the category be approved, it would mark a significant milestone in the Academy’s efforts to honor the diverse talents that contribute to the magic of cinema.