Tom Hardy Demands Oscar for Stunt Actors

Following the Academy's announcement that it will finally introduce an Oscar for Stunt Design, actor Tom Hardy has questioned whether a single award category is sufficient.

In an interview with IGN ahead of the release of his new film, Havoc, Hardy shared: “A single Oscar feels somewhat overdue and insufficient in certain respects. It’s a positive step—a half-full glass—but I believe more recognition is warranted.”

“Stunt design alone doesn’t cover the full scope”, adds the star of Venom and Mad Max: Fury Road. “The design element serves as an umbrella for a diverse range of specialists within the field, all of whom deserve acknowledgment for their immense effort. The stunt department, together with effects teams, delivers the excitement that audiences crave, whether it’s car chases, falls from buildings, combat scenes, fire stunts, underwater sequences, or skydiving—anything beyond dialogue.”

“These professionals often go unrecognized, yet they risk their safety to bring thrill and authenticity to film and television. Many of my friends work in this industry, and I’d really like to see additional subcategories introduced as well.”

Gareth Evans, director of Havoc and the acclaimed action franchise The Raid, shares this perspective. His films are celebrated for their groundbreaking stunt sequences.

“Subcategories would be a welcome addition”, Evans notes. “Awards aren’t what drive the craft—that would be the wrong motivation. It’s about creative expression within the context of the film. Still, it’s high time this work receives the recognition it deserves, and it’s surprising it wasn’t included from the beginning.”

It will have taken a full century for the Oscars to honor stunt design when the category debuts at the 2028 Academy Awards. In the meantime, viewers can see Hardy in action much sooner: Havoc arrives on Netflix this Friday, April 25th.