In the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour, there’s a group of unsung heroes who often risk life and limb to make our favorite movies come alive—the stunt artists. However, their incredible feats have long gone underappreciated. Enter the National Board of Review, a century-old institution known for propelling overlooked films into the awards spotlight. This year, they’re breaking new ground by introducing the “Achievement in Stunt Artistry” award at their annual gala on January 11, 2024, in New York City.
This groundbreaking decision is set to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the often-overlooked art of stunts. The award’s purpose is crystal clear: to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of stunt artists who bring those jaw-dropping action sequences to life. The significance of this move extends beyond the glitz and glam of the ceremony itself.
The National Board of Review’s influence in the film industry is nothing to scoff at. Comprising a select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, and academics, their annual film viewing regimen exceeds 250 films. What sets them apart is their ability to catapult underappreciated gems into the larger awards conversation. Remember “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Green Book”? Thanks to the NBR’s recognition, they soared to win multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
But why does the introduction of a stunt category by the National Board matter so much? It’s a game-changer for the entire industry. As of now, many prestigious awards, including the illustrious Academy Awards, do not have a dedicated category for stunt work. This has been a source of contention for many in the industry, including acclaimed director Chad Stahelski of “John Wick” fame, who has been advocating for an Oscar category dedicated to stunts. While discussions are ongoing, nothing is set in stone just yet.
The Academy once flirted with the idea of recognizing stunt work through the proposed “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film” category. However, this idea was met with backlash and was eventually shelved. Nevertheless, the National Board’s decision could potentially reignite the conversation about the need for an Oscar category dedicated to stunts.
In fact, it’s worth noting that recognizing stunt work isn’t an entirely new concept in Hollywood. Both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and the Emmys have had stunt categories for some time. While these awards are significant in their own right, they don’t carry the same prestige as the Academy Awards. The National Board of Review’s move, however, could act as a catalyst, urging other prestigious awards to follow suit and giving stunt artists the recognition they truly deserve.
In conclusion, the National Board of Review’s decision to introduce the Achievement in Stunt Artistry award isn’t just about a single night of celebration; it’s a groundbreaking step toward recognizing the incredible talent and dedication of stunt artists in the entertainment industry. As we eagerly await the announcement of the honorees this December, we can also hope that this bold move will ignite a broader conversation about the importance of stunt work in the world of cinema, potentially leading to a more inclusive future for awards ceremonies. So, let’s salute the stunt performers who make movie magic happen, and let the show begin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stunt Artistry Recognition
What is the National Board of Review introducing with the Achievement in Stunt Artistry award?
The National Board of Review is introducing the “Achievement in Stunt Artistry” award to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and work of stunt artists in the entertainment industry.
When and where will the National Board of Review’s annual awards gala take place?
The National Board of Review’s annual awards gala is scheduled to be held on January 11, 2024, in New York City.
What other categories does the National Board of Review honor at their awards gala?
In addition to the Achievement in Stunt Artistry award, the National Board of Review presents awards in various categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, Best Original and Adapted Screenplay, Breakthrough Performance, and Best Directorial Debut. They also give out two “signature honors”: the Freedom of Expression Award and Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography.
Why is the National Board of Review’s decision to introduce a stunt category significant?
The National Board of Review’s decision is significant because it brings much-needed recognition to the often-overlooked field of stunt work in the film industry. This move could also influence other prestigious awards, like the Academy Awards, to consider creating similar categories for stunts.
Has the Academy Awards ever had a category for stunt work?
No, the Academy Awards have never had a dedicated category for stunt work, despite calls from industry professionals like director Chad Stahelski to create one. There was a proposal for an “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film” category that could have recognized stunts, but it was met with backlash and ultimately abandoned.
Are there any other major awards that recognize stunt work?
Yes, both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and the Emmys have had stunt categories for some time. However, these awards are not as prestigious as the Academy Awards.
What impact could the National Board of Review’s decision have on the recognition of stunt work in the industry?
The National Board of Review’s decision to introduce a stunt category could potentially reignite discussions about the need for an Oscar category dedicated to stunts. It may also encourage other awards ceremonies to follow suit, ultimately leading to greater recognition of the vital role stunt artists play in the world of cinema.
More about Stunt Artistry Recognition
- National Board of Review
- Academy Awards
- Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards
- Emmy Awards
- Chad Stahelski
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- Green Book
5 comments
This text’s like, super cool, dude! Stunts rock, but not all awards give ’em love. The NBR’s new award’s a big deal, maybe Oscars will notice now too!
Finally, stunt artists get some well-deserved recognition. Awards ceremonies need to catch up with the times!
I love how NBR boosts underrated films, and now stunt artists get their moment. Let’s hope this sparks a trend!
It’s about time stunt performers got their due. NBR’s award might shake things up in the industry, which is way cool!
Wait, no stunt category at the Oscars? Seriously? The NBR is setting a trend, and it’s about time!