Today, Explained
The most dangerous award
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.
27:45
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Quick takeaways
- The introduction of the Best Stunt Design category at the Oscars represents a long-awaited acknowledgment of stunt performers' critical contributions to filmmaking.
- The discussions surrounding this new award highlight ongoing challenges in defining recognition within the collaborative nature of film production, affecting credit attribution for stunt work.
Deep dives
Justice for Stunt Performers
The introduction of a new category for Best Stunt Design at the Oscars is celebrated as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the essential contributions of stunt performers in filmmaking. Historically, stunt people have been overlooked and underappreciated, despite their central role in shaping Hollywood from its early beginnings. The realization that stunts have always been integral to storytelling is highlighted, emphasizing that many iconic characters like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin were not just actors but also skilled stunt performers. This recognition at the Oscars is framed as a justice for those who have been denied their status as artists and visionaries in the film industry.
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