After The Oscars Finally Breaks On A Stunt Category, Chad Stahelski, David Leitch And More React: ‘We’ve Come A Long Way’

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At long last, following numerous years, the Academy Awards will formally recognize stunts! For quite some time, there’s been a push to introduce a category that acknowledges those who craft breathtaking action in many outstanding films. Now, this wish has come true, and two prominent action directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, along with numerous other enthusiastic individuals, have expressed their reactions to this exciting development.

In the context given, Chad Stahelski, the director known for John Wick films, has been a strong proponent for introducing an Achievement Award in Stunt Design. Following the announcement, he spoke with Deadline while immersed in planning for the 2025 movie schedule’s project Ballerina (which he is producing), and shared his thoughts:

Chad Stahelski, famous for John Wick movies, has long pushed for a Stunt Design award. After hearing the news, he chatted with Deadline while juggling work on the 2025 movie schedule’s Ballerina (a project he’s producing), and commented:

Without the groundbreaking work of stunt professionals over the past 100 years, we wouldn’t be where we are today in our industry. We’ve made significant strides, thanks to countless individuals who have given so much. It’s quite an honor to be here, standing at the pinnacle of a century-long lineage of performers, coordinators, and action directors. It’s unfortunate that many of them won’t live to witness the culmination of their efforts.

Stahelski commended The Academy for thoroughly preparing and researching the matter. He explained that the organization was confident that the stunt category was necessary, but it wasn’t just this realization that caused the delay. Rather, they carefully considered “how to bestow the award, who should receive it,” and “what criteria we should use for selection.

Starting in 2028, during the centennial Oscars ceremony, the inaugural award for Outstanding Achievement in Stunt Design will be presented. This recognition is for movies that were premiered in the previous year, which would be 2027. The specific guidelines regarding eligibility and voting process are expected to be unveiled around the same time. (Source: Variety)

Alongside Stahelski, many other suntmen-turned-directors played a role in the addition of this category. This included David Leitch, the director of films like The Fall Guy and Deadpool 2. He took to his Instagram to post an image of The Academy’s letter announcing the news and wrote:

This endeavor has been a long, collective journey for many! Over the course of several years, both @airaware1 and I have poured our efforts into it. We’ve expanded upon the foundational work of numerous stunt designers who tirelessly battled for this achievement in the past, throughout the last few decades. Our gratitude knows no bounds. A heartfelt thank you to @theacademy!

On Leitch’s post, several actors expressed their enthusiasm about the new addition too. Notably among them was Hannah Waddingham, who previously acted in his movie titled “The Fall Guy“.

  • “🔥🔥🔥”-Pom Klementieff
  • “Oh my GOD,this is immense! Beyond thrilled for the global stunt community. So riDICulously well deserved. A phenomenal band of humans who give everything of themselves every day and look after us ALL every minute. Couldn’t be happier. 🥰 What a day finally! XXXXXXXXX” -Hannah Waddingham
  • “👏👏👏” -Nicholas Hoult

Many others in the stunt community also reacted to this historic and thrilling news. Notably, this included The Fall Guy’s stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara and Josh Oreck, who has been a producer on many John Wick movies. In a joint IG post with David Leitch and Narrator Inc, the group expressed:

Thrills: Wow, awesome! A big round of applause for the multitude of remarkable artists, artisans, instructors, cowboys, fighters, dancers, engineers, athletes, intellectuals, and many others from every stunt team who have taken risks to captivate and astonish us for over a century. They’ve achieved this without receiving much recognition other than the satisfaction of their craft and plenty of rehabilitation. It has been truly inspiring to watch this extraordinary group of misfits emerge in the South Bay, transforming cinema through their tireless efforts over several decades.

In essence, this victory is monumental and steeped in history for the field of stunts. There’s immense excitement as countless individuals eagerly anticipate recognizing and honoring these talented teams for their thrilling performances.

Although we can’t honor past action masterpieces with this award, it’ll be presented for future films instead. There’s a chance that the first Achievement in Stunt Design award might go to one of the talented individuals previously mentioned, especially considering upcoming productions like John Wick: Chapter 5. It’s quite plausible!

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2025-04-11 17:07