April 11, 2025: In a groundbreaking move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced a new Oscars category dedicated to Best Stunt Design, marking a major win for the global stunt community and action cinema. The new category will be introduced for films released in 2027, with the first award being presented during the 100th Oscars ceremony in 2028.
Among the celebrated films highlighted in the announcement was SS Rajamouli’s international blockbuster RRR, alongside Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible — a testament to the global impact of RRR’s breathtaking action sequences.
SS Rajamouli, who has long championed the value of technical and action-driven filmmaking, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his joy and gratitude.
The announcement has been met with wide applause across the film industry, particularly from the stunt community. Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, called the inclusion of the new category a “historic moment” and a validation of the art and bravery behind action filmmaking.
“Stunt performers, coordinators, and action designers have played a crucial role in shaping the cinematic experience… This recognition validates the passion, innovation, creativity and hard work that go into every fall, fight, and fireball,” Wolfe said in a statement to Variety.
The rules and eligibility criteria for the Stunt Design category will be unveiled in 2027, in advance of the 100th Oscars. The last time the Academy introduced a new category was Achievement in Casting, established in 2024, which will debut at the 98th Oscars in 2026.
On the work front, SS Rajamouli is gearing up for his next directorial venture, tentatively titled SSB29, starring Mahesh Babu. The film has been penned by his father and veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad, though further details remain tightly under wraps.