The Risky Career Path of a Stuntman, Now the Oscars Add Best Stunt Design Category Starting in 2027

Kapanlagi.com - The Academy Awards or Oscars will add a new category called Best Stunt Design starting from the 100th event in 2028, for films released in 2027. This category is created to honor the work of action designers, stunt coordinators, and stunt performers who have been the backbone of action films and often risk their lives.

David Leitch, a director and former stunt performer, is a key figure advocating for this recognition along with Chris O'Hara, a stunt coordinator from Stunts Unlimited. They have fought for years to ensure that the art of stunt work receives official recognition from the Academy.

"Since the early development of cinema, stunt design has been an important part of filmmaking," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, as reported by Press.Oscar.org, on Tuesday (6/5).

"We are proud to pay tribute to the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them on their commitment and dedication that has led to this historic moment," they continued.

1. The Importance of Stunt Doubles in Film

Stunt doubles are crucial in creating realistic and thrilling action scenes, replacing the main actors in high-risk situations such as falls, fights, and explosions, while also protecting the safety of the main actors and ensuring the smooth production of the film.

They also play a role in bringing the story to life through movements that support the emotions of the characters and work collaboratively with the director and creative team to design safe and engaging scenes.

2. The Early History of Stuntmen

Oscar recognition is expected to enhance appreciation and attention towards this profession globally. The profession of stuntman can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries in the Western world, initially performed by circus members and acrobatic gymnasts known as cascadeurs.

In the film industry, the first recorded professional stuntman according to Guinness World Records is Frank Hanaway, a former member of the American cavalry, who performed in the silent film The Great Train Robbery (1903).

3. Stunt Performer Salary

According to pilihprofesi.com, the salary of a stuntman varies greatly depending on the difficulty and risk level of the scenes. In Hollywood, stuntman salaries are much higher, averaging around USD70,000 (approximately Rp1.02 billion) per year for experienced stuntmen, while beginners can earn about USD5,000 (Rp73 million) per year.

The high pay is justified due to the significant and varied risks stuntmen face, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening accidents. They can suffer from broken bones, head injuries, and vehicle collisions.

From 2010 to early 2019, there were 53 incidents reported, some of which resulted in fatalities. For example, Joi "SJ" Harris tragically died in a motorcycle accident while filming Deadpool 2 (2017).

4. Actors Who Don’t Use Stuntmen

Some famous Hollywood actors and actresses often perform their own stunts without using stuntmen. Jennifer Garner, for instance, performed around 98% of her dangerous scenes herself while starring in the series Alias.

Tom Cruise, known for insisting on doing his own dangerous stunts in the Mission Impossible franchise, continues to do so even in his 50s.

In Indonesia, there is Iko Uwais, who is known for rarely using stuntmen in his action scenes. He prefers to perform dangerous stunts himself, showcasing his resilient body, such as during the scene where he is thrown against a wall in the film Mile 22.

(kpl/dyn)