Deadpool & Wolverine: Ryan Reynolds Pleads for Stunt Oscar Category

As a long-time film enthusiast and someone who has witnessed the magic of stunt performances firsthand, I wholeheartedly agree with Ryan Reynolds‘ call for the Academy to recognize this vital aspect of cinema with an award category. The daring feats and breathtaking sequences performed by these unsung heroes have always been a crucial part of movies, yet they remain unacknowledged at the Oscars.

Inquire with most individuals associated with the movie world, and they would concur: The Academy Awards have been tardy in creating a category to acknowledge outstanding stunt performers. Indeed, stunts are integral to nearly every film production, and those who execute them routinely risk their personal safety. Regrettably, there is still no prominent award at the Oscars to commend such efforts. For years, filmmakers have been urging the Academy to establish a stunt award, and recently, Ryan Reynolds, who starred as Deadpool and Wolverine, has also voiced this demand.

On Wednesday, Reynolds voiced his opinion on social media, advocating for the Academy to think about introducing a new category for stunts. Apart from petitioning for the accolade, he also utilized this platform to draw attention to the team of stunt performers who enchanted audiences with their work during the filming of Deadpool & Wolverine.

“Reynolds expressed his hope that stunt work might one day receive recognition at the Oscars because there have been many impressive performances this year. Just like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Chaplin, who were both performers and filmmakers, these individuals told stories through their bodies. The D&W stunt team exceeded expectations, and I look forward to honoring them by doodling their names in my Heidi Stationary, with heart-shaped dots on every ‘i’.”

I’ve collaborated with Alex Kyshkovych since our initial Deadpool project, where he not only stood in for me but also served as the Fight Coordinator. I’d gladly endure a hammer blow to my face for Alex. Or more accurately, I’d ask Alex to inflict a hammer blow on himself for me. George Cottle, Second Unit Director/Supervising Stunt Coordinator, is an exceptional addition. His talent shines in Spider-Man: No Way Home, as well as numerous other productions. His expertise elevates the entire film, and I’d be willing to accept a needle prick for George.

It’s astonishing how many things [Hugh Jackman] takes on himself. However, Daniel Stevens handles the extremely risky parts. Over the years, he’s been playing Wolverine, which is no walk in the park. I’d be willing to let Alex eat a crab salad left on the dashboard for three days straight if that’s what it takes for Daniel. A big round of applause also goes out to Andy Lister for introducing an exciting and wild Wolverine outfit during the Deadpool Corps battle.

Stunt performances aren’t recognized by the Oscars yet, but I hope that will be rectified in the future. There have been some incredible feats on screen this year. Notably, early filmmakers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Chaplin were not only directors but also performed their own stunts, using their bodies to tell compelling stories.
This D&W stunt crew…
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 28, 2024

Year after year, there is an increasing clamor for a Stunt Oscar category. This demand has reached its peak in 2024, largely due to the arrival of the film “Fall Guy“, which focuses on the world of stunt performers.

2024-08-29 07:09

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