Tom Hardy Thinks The Oscars Stunt Category Is ‘A Great Start,’ However, He Also Explained Why ‘It’s Not Enough’

by

For decades, there’s been a debate between filmmakers and moviegoers over whether stunt performers receive adequate recognition. Their job is all about creating jaw-dropping moments for the audience, yet they often remain in the background. This might be why the Oscars have neglected to honor stuntwork for close to a century, but things are set to change with the introduction of a new category. However, actor Tom Hardy holds a mixed opinion on this issue.

Back in 2024, news broke out that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was contemplating a new category for stunts. It’s thrilling to note that they have now officially declared their intention to introduce an award specifically recognizing outstanding stunt design. This inaugural presentation is set for the 2028 awards ceremony. Tom Hardy, known for his films featuring exceptional stunt work, recently shared his thoughts with Extra. He was visibly elated about the Oscars making this initial stride, but he expressed a desire for even greater recognition. He elaborated on…

Initially, you seem to require around two to three distinct classifications. Upon seeing this, I felt a sense of relief, but soon realized that it might be insufficient for an honest assessment. While it’s a good starting point, it’s not comprehensive enough. Let’s move forward and consider the remaining categories as well. Exciting, and long overdue!

As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say, the announcement of the Stunt Design Oscar has sparked a wave of excitement, with many echoing “it’s about time”! While some feel it’s long overdue, others are simply thrilled that this recognition is finally here. Visionary directors like Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, once stuntmen themselves, have expressed heartfelt joy at the news. Actors who collaborate closely with their stunt counterparts, such as Jason Statham, have been at the forefront of advocating for this well-deserved acknowledgement.

According to Hardy, the concern lies in the fact that since the award honors Stunt Design, it’s overly comprehensive. The world of stunts is vast and diverse, and just acknowledging Stunt Design fails to give due recognition to many aspects of the work involved. Hardy considers this initial award a good step forward, and he applauds the Academy for making it, but he aspires for more specialized stunt categories in the future. He went on to say…

The broad category of “Best Stunt Design” is commendable, but it doesn’t quite suffice due to the vast array of possibilities within the realm of stunts. To fully capture the diversity and complexity of this field, we might need to subdivide it further into various categories, although the current title serves as a solid foundation for future refinement.

Previously, the Oscars divided several categories into distinct awards, such as sound editing and sound mixing, although this is not the practice now. Additionally, they have separate awards for original and adapted screenplays to acknowledge the unique abilities required in each area.

As of now, the specific criteria and qualifications for the Oscars have not been disclosed completely, so the list of potential nominees is still somewhat unclear. However, as Tom Hardy suggests, it’s highly likely that many individuals in the stunt industry who perform duties outside the category of “design” may be overlooked.

Despite what Tom Hardy stated, this is a positive step forward. With the introduction of the first Stunt Oscar, there’s now an opening, and it could become simpler to achieve more in the future.

Read More

2025-04-26 23:11