Academy Award for stunt design arrives at a time when CGI is kneecapping the artform

Los Angeles Times - Apr 13th, 2025

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new Oscar category set to debut in 2028, which will honor stunt design. This decision comes after decades of advocacy from those within the film industry who believe that stunt performers and coordinators deserve recognition for their contributions to cinema. However, the move has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the award is overdue and may not adequately honor the work of past stunt professionals, as much modern stunt work involves computer-generated imagery.

The creation of this award highlights the evolving nature of filmmaking and the acknowledgment of roles behind the scenes that contribute to the overall cinematic experience. While the introduction of the award signifies progress, it also raises questions about how the Academy will navigate the distinction between practical stunt work and digitally created effects. The decision reflects broader discussions within the entertainment industry about the recognition and valuation of diverse forms of artistry in film production.

Academy Awards Film Industry Oscar Stunt Design Computer Generated Imagery Ben Herndon

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The letter to the editor presents a skeptical view of the Academy's decision to introduce a new Oscar category for stunt design. While it accurately states the creation of the award, the letter primarily reflects the author's opinion, lacking diverse perspectives and supporting evidence. The piece is timely and relevant to ongoing discussions about film industry recognition and the impact of CGI. However, its narrow focus and subjective tone may limit its engagement and impact. Overall, the letter effectively communicates the author's viewpoint but would benefit from a more balanced discussion and additional context to enhance its reliability and depth.

Accuracy

The letter to the editor claims that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is creating a new Oscar for stunt design, which is set to debut in 2028. This is an accurate statement, as confirmed by official sources. However, the letter's assertion that much of modern stunt work is done by computer-generated imagery (CGI) is partially accurate; while CGI is indeed prevalent, practical stunts still play a significant role in filmmaking. The claim that the award might be given to graphic artists is speculative and reflects the author's opinion rather than a verifiable fact. Overall, the letter contains a mix of accurate information and subjective viewpoints.

Balance

The letter predominantly presents a skeptical viewpoint regarding the introduction of a stunt design Oscar. It lacks representation of perspectives that might support the award, such as those from current stunt performers or industry professionals who value the recognition of stunt coordination as an art form. The letter's tone suggests bias against the new award, focusing on the perceived redundancy and diminished role of practical stunts due to CGI, without acknowledging the potential benefits of such recognition.

Clarity

The letter is clear and concise, effectively conveying the author's skepticism about the new Oscar category. The language is straightforward, and the argument is easy to follow. The use of rhetorical questions and analogies, such as the comparison to silent movie title design, enhances the clarity of the author's viewpoint. However, the clarity is somewhat compromised by the lack of supporting evidence for the claims made.

Source quality

As a letter to the editor, the piece does not rely on external sources or provide citations to support its claims. It reflects the personal opinion of the author, Ben Herndon, rather than drawing on authoritative voices or evidence from the film industry. The lack of diverse or expert sources limits the reliability and depth of the arguments presented.

Transparency

The letter is transparent in its subjective nature, clearly presenting itself as an opinion piece. However, it does not provide detailed context or background information about the Academy's decision-making process or the current state of stunt work in cinema. The absence of such context may hinder readers' understanding of the broader implications of the new Oscar category.