Today, Explained

The most dangerous award

105 snips
Apr 25, 2025
Bilga Ebiri, a film critic at Vulture, dives into the groundbreaking introduction of a Best Stunt Design award at the Oscars. He highlights the historically overlooked contributions of stunt performers like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. The discussion touches on the dangerous conditions faced by these unsung heroes and the evolving perception of their work. With humor and reverence, they celebrate the artistry behind iconic stunts in cinema, envisioning a future where stunt work receives the recognition it truly deserves.
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INSIGHT

Stunt People Built Hollywood

  • Stunt people were foundational to Hollywood before movie stars became famous.
  • Their lack of recognition in awards like the Oscars is a major injustice.
INSIGHT

Exclusion Rooted in Industry Neglect

  • Stunt people were excluded from Oscars because they were seen as unimportant and were underpaid.
  • Many stunt performers faced dangerous conditions without protections or proper credit.
INSIGHT

Long Fight for Stunt Oscar

  • Advocacy for a stunt Oscar started seriously in 1991 with Jack Gill's push.
  • Despite initial openness, the Academy repeatedly rejected the idea for various reasons, including show length and glitz focus.
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