In a recent interview with IGN ahead of the release of his new film, Havoc, actor Tom Hardy expressed his thoughts on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to introduce an Oscar for Stunt Design. Hardy believes that a single Oscar category might not be sufficient to honor the extensive work involved in stunt departments.
"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 elaborated on the complexity of stunt work, suggesting that the term "stunt design" encompasses a wide range of specialized skills and efforts. "It's not enough just stunt design because there are so many elements that go into stunts as a department," Hardy explained. "The design element is like an umbrella for a diaspora of different groups within that world that all need to be illuminated, and understood, quite how hard they work, and, what the stunt department, along with effects, deliver for people that want to go to cinema or sit down and watch anything remotely with any action or anything beyond just the written word or the spoken word. Whether it's people on horseback, cars, people jumping off buildings, people being on fire, fights, people getting run over, underwater, skydiving, whatever it is."
Hardy emphasized the dedication and risk taken by stunt professionals, who often go unrecognized despite their crucial role in enhancing the thrill of films and TV shows. "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. I've got a lot of friends in that world, so yeah, I'd like to see some subcategories in there as well."
Gareth Evans, the director of Havoc and known for his work on The Raid films, echoed Hardy's sentiments. "Subcategories would be nice," Evans said. "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. I think it's about time that it got rewarded, about time that it had some recognition, and hard to understand why it wasn't from the get-go go really."
The Oscars' introduction of a Stunt Design category, set to debut at the 2028 Academy Awards, marks a significant milestone after 100 years of oversight. Meanwhile, fans won't have to wait as long to see Hardy in action, as Havoc is slated to premiere on Netflix this Friday, April 25th.
