Tom Cruise may soon have a new Oscar win. In a move that’s been years in the making, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the creation of a new competitive Oscars category: Achievement in Stunt Design, set to debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, honoring films from 2027.
“Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement. “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 new category will finally bring long-overdue recognition to the creative architects behind some of the most thrilling, iconic, and physically demanding moments in cinematic history—whether it’s daredevil car chases, meticulously choreographed fight scenes, or gravity-defying stunts that help define action and adventure on screen.
More than 100 stunt professionals are already members of the Academy’s Production and Technology Branch, a strong signal of the craft’s growing influence within the organization.
Specific rules and voting procedures for the new category will be revealed in 2027 alongside the complete 100th Academy Awards rules and guidelines. The Academy has yet to confirm whether the award will be presented during the live telecast or in a separate segment.
This marks the second new Oscars category in two years—the first being Achievement in Casting, introduced in 2024 and set to debut at the 98th Academy Awards for films released in 2025.
The announcement is expected to be met with celebration from stunt professionals across the industry, many of whom have long campaigned for recognition by the Academy. It also brings the Oscars more in line with other major industry awards such as the SAG Awards, which already honor stunt ensembles.
As the 100th Oscars approach, the Academy appears committed to honoring the full scope of filmmaking artistry—now, with well-deserved applause for the unsung heroes who throw themselves into the action, quite literally.
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