In a significant development for the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the introduction of an Oscar for Stunt Design. This decision, set to be implemented at the 2028 Academy Awards, marks the first time in a century that the Academy has recognized the vital contribution of stunt professionals to cinema. However, actor Tom Hardy, speaking to IGN ahead of the release of his new film, Havoc, has expressed that a single award category may not be sufficient to honor the diverse elements within the stunt department.
"One Oscar, it's a bit too little too late in some aspects," Hardy remarked. "It's good, it's great and cup half full territory, but I think perhaps more is asked for." He emphasized the complexity of stunt work, suggesting that "it's not enough just stunt design because there are so many elements that go into stunts as a department." Hardy, known for his roles in films like Venom and Mad Max: Fury Road, highlighted the wide range of skills and risks involved in stunt work, from horseback riding and car chases to skydiving and underwater scenes. "That entire universe of people is unsung, and they put a lot on the line for that physically, and they're largely unspoken, but they do really put the thrill into film and TV," he added, advocating for additional subcategories to better recognize the various aspects of stunt work.
Havoc's director, Gareth Evans, whose previous work on The Raid films is renowned for its groundbreaking action and stunt sequences, echoed Hardy's sentiments. "Subcategories would be nice," Evans said. He stressed, however, that the primary motivation for stunt professionals should not be awards but the expression of their craft within the film's narrative. "I don't think awards drive the craft. I think that's the wrong reason to do it. I think it's all about expressing yourself within the parameters of what the film is that you're making," he explained. Evans also noted that it's "about time that it got rewarded, about time that it had some recognition," and questioned why it took the Academy so long to acknowledge the importance of stunt work.
While fans will have to wait until the 2028 Oscars to see the new Stunt Design category in action, they won't have to wait long to see Tom Hardy in Havoc. The film, directed by Gareth Evans, will be available on Netflix starting this Friday, April 25th, offering viewers a chance to witness Hardy's latest performance in a high-octane action thriller.
