Tom Hardy has weighed in on the Academy Awards’ latest move to recognize stunt professionals with a new Oscar category, saying the decision is a good start but doesn’t go far enough.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced the introduction of a long-awaited Oscar for Best Stunt Design, a category meant to honor the work of stunt teams who create thrilling action sequences in film. While the move was welcomed across the industry, Venom and Mad Max: Fury Road star Tom Hardy believes there’s still more to be done.
In an interview with IGN, Hardy shared his thoughts, saying, “One Oscar—it’s a bit too little too late in some aspects. It’s good, it’s great, and cup-half-full territory, but I think perhaps more is asked for.”
Hardy pointed out that stunt work involves numerous sub-disciplines and professionals who deserve their own spotlight. “It’s not enough just stunt design because there are so many elements that go into stunts as a department,” he 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.”
Highlighting the physical risk and intense dedication stunt performers bring to film and television, Hardy called them the “unsung heroes” of the entertainment industry. “Whether it’s people on horseback, cars, jumping off buildings, being set on fire, skydiving, underwater sequences—whatever it is—they put a lot on the line physically, and they’re largely unspoken.”
Hardy believes the Academy should consider introducing additional subcategories to honor various aspects of stunt work more comprehensively.
Meanwhile, fans of the British actor can catch him next in the upcoming Netflix action-thriller Havoc, set to premiere on April 24.
