Tom Cruise is set to reprise his iconic role as Ethan Hunt in the highly anticipated eighth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, titled “The Final Reckoning.” This movie is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on May 23. Brace yourself for the jaw-dropping stunts and boisterous action that has defined this franchise—inconceivable! As the buzz continues to grow for the upcoming film adaptation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just dropped us an awesome surprise. If all goes according to plan, they’ll add a new award for Achievement in Stunt Design at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028!
The decision to create an award solely for stunt design marks a long-awaited victory for industry veterans who have long advocated for it. Chief among the instigators of this effort is David Leitch, director of The Fall Guy, who’s joined by a collective of experienced action movie collaborators. Beginning in 2028, this new recognition will celebrate the creative work of stunt coordinators. To the terrific skill and creativity that they bring to producing vivid, unforgettable action sequences.
The Academy’s introduction of this award aligns perfectly with Cruise’s legacy in action cinema. Over his career, he has been nominated for three Academy Awards for acting and garnered one nomination for Best Picture as a producer for “Top Gun: Maverick.” To that end, he won his competitive Oscars, and yet, despite many other accomplishments and accolades, he has not won a competitive Oscar. This new award appears tailor-made for him, especially considering his extensive history of performing death-defying stunts throughout the Mission: Impossible films.
From scaling the Burj Khalifa in 2011’s “Ghost Protocol” to executing dangerous helicopter maneuvers in 2018’s “Fallout,” Cruise has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in film. Most recently, he catapulted himself off of a motorcycle and off a cliff in 2023’s “Dead Reckoning.” His commitment to authenticity and safety in stunts sets him apart in an industry where digital effects often take precedence over practical execution.
The Academy’s mission is clear: it seeks to find ways to honor Tom Cruise for his remarkable stunt work that has captivated audiences worldwide. The Achievement in Stunt Design award finally gives credit where credit is due, recognizing the hard work and dedication of all stunt designers and performers. This award recognizes the extraordinary achievements of Tom Cruise and pioneers of this genre such as Keanu Reeves, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, as well as iconic characters including James Bond.
The Academy’s new award will be first given at the 100th Academy Awards, recognizing films released in 2027. This rare timing speaks volumes about just how much enthusiasm many in the industry have. They were excited about the potential of this change to affect future awards seasons. A new category for stunt design and coordination has been introduced. This amendment marks a significant victory in the growing appreciation for the integral work these creatives do to make filmmaking possible.
The announcement has generated a wave of enthusiasm among stunt performers and designers, who often work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their artistry elevates mundane action sequences to make memories that blockbuster films are remembered for.
We know that excitement is already bubbling over for “The Final Reckoning”. Fans and critics alike will be waiting to see if this will be Cruise’s time to take home a statue. Best of all was the inclusion of a new award for stunt design, a move that has a lot of people, including us, cheering. They hope it would result in a wider appreciation for talent in the film industry.